Saudi beekeepers harvest highly valued Sidr honey in Najran region

Riyadh – Beekeepers in Saudi Arabia’s southern Najran region have successfully completed the latest harvest of Sidr honey, one of the Kingdom’s most prized natural products known for its rich taste and medicinal properties.

The recent harvest yielded nearly 20,000 kilograms of Sidr honey, which remains in high demand across Saudi Arabia and beyond. In local markets and specialty stores, the honey can fetch hundreds of riyals per kilogram due to its purity, flavor, and health benefits.

Sidr honey is produced by bees that collect nectar from the Sidr tree, scientifically known as Ziziphus spina-christi, as well as from other native plants such as the umbrella thorn acacia and Vachellia flava. This combination of flora contributes to the unique aroma and texture that distinguishes Sidr honey from other varieties.

The Najran region provides ideal conditions for honey production, thanks to its fertile valleys, mild climate, and abundance of flowering plants. Year-round, local beekeepers collectively produce around 90 tons of honey, a figure that demonstrates the area’s growing contribution to Saudi Arabia’s agricultural sector.

Beekeeper Naji bin Mana Al-Sahili told the Saudi Press Agency that after completing the current harvest, many beekeepers are preparing to move their hives to warmer areas for the winter months. This seasonal migration helps maintain the health of the bees and ensures consistent honey production throughout the year.

Al-Sahili noted that Saudi beekeepers have earned international recognition for the quality of their Sidr honey, winning several awards in global competitions. He attributed this success to the dedication of local producers and the favorable environmental conditions found in Najran and other southern regions.

Sidr honey is widely celebrated for its health-promoting properties. It is believed to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Some scientific studies have even suggested potential cancer-fighting effects, though researchers emphasize the need for more clinical evidence.

In addition to Sidr honey, Saudi Arabia produces about 20 other types of honey, including Talh and Samar, each with distinct flavors and compositions depending on the source of nectar. This diversity reflects the Kingdom’s rich natural vegetation and ecological variety.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has been actively supporting beekeeping through the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program. The initiative aims to empower rural communities, enhance productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices, including honey production.

One of the key components of this program is the rural development incubator, which helps entrepreneurs in the beekeeping industry improve their expertise in areas such as strategic planning, business management, marketing, and finance. These efforts are designed to strengthen local production and open new market opportunities for Saudi honey producers.

In addition, the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority provides training programs for beekeepers to enhance their technical skills and promote environmental awareness. This collaboration between government agencies and local producers ensures the long-term sustainability of the honey industry in Saudi Arabia.

Experts emphasize that the success of the beekeeping sector contributes not only to economic development but also to environmental conservation. Bees play a vital role in pollination, supporting biodiversity and maintaining the health of local ecosystems.

With growing global demand for natural and organic products, Saudi honey — especially the Sidr variety — continues to gain attention in both domestic and international markets. Producers hope to expand exports in the coming years, promoting Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a center of high-quality honey production.

The recent harvest in Najran underscores the dedication of Saudi beekeepers and the importance of agricultural innovation in preserving traditional industries. As Sidr honey maintains its reputation for quality and authenticity, it remains one of the Kingdom’s most treasured natural products.