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RIYADH: Grape cultivation is an important aspect of the central Qassim region’s agricultural activity, with about 30,000 tonnes produced each season.

The fruit plays an important role in the economy of the region, which also produces 35 percent of the Kingdom’s dates — about 528,000 tonnes per year — as well as crops such as figs, berries and wheat as well as a range of livestock.

Farms in Qassim benefit from fertile soil and a climate well suited to producing high-quality fruit, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Grape cultivation is particularly concentrated in several governorates, notably Uyun Al-Jiwa, Al-Badayea, and Al-Mithnab.

The region produces a variety of grape types, including green and red Thompson seedless, Black Magic, and Halwani.

The mayor of Qassim, Mohammed bin Mubarak Al-Majali, emphasized the municipality’s commitment to organizing seasonal agricultural festivals.

These events support farmers and stimulate economic and tourism activity.

Al-Majali highlighted the abundance and variety of grape products featured at the festival as a source of pride and a testament to the region’s agricultural success.

He also mentioned efforts to empower local farming families by involving them in festival activities, in collaboration with local municipal branches such as Al-Qawara Municipality and other government entities.

Meanwhile, director-general of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s Qassim branch, Salman Al-Suwaina, described grape farming as a promising agricultural resource.

He pointed out the strong regional support for investment and related manufacturing industries.

Al-Suwaina said Qassim’s 30,000 tonnes of grapes produced seasonally serve local markets and hold significant export potential.

He also pointed to the growing demand for grape-derived products such as juice, molasses, raisins, and natural vinegar, which offer value-added opportunities for farmers.

The region continues to expand grape cultivation and provides technical and advisory support to farmers, aiming to boost productivity and contribute to food security in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

The grape festival, currently underway in Uyun Al-Jiwa, continues through Friday, where it is drawing large numbers of visitors and shoppers.

LYON, France: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif visited Interpol headquarters in Lyon, France on Thursday where he was received by the organization’s president, Maj. Gen. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi.

During the visit, Prince Abdulaziz affirmed the Kingdom’s ongoing support for Interpol and its efforts to strengthen international cooperation in combating transnational crime.

He praised its role in supporting international security efforts and enhancing cooperation among security agencies around the world.

Interpol's current president is from the United Arab Emirates. Al-Raisi was elected at the 89th General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkiye, in November 2021. His term ends this year.