Hail Achieves Agricultural Progress with the Production of a New White Strawberry Variety

The Hail region has achieved notable progress in specialized agriculture after successfully producing white strawberries for the first time in the Kingdom. This accomplishment places Saudi Arabia among a limited number of countries—alongside the United States and Japan—that have succeeded in cultivating this variety, reflecting the growing technical and scientific capabilities of the national agricultural sector.
This success aligns with efforts to diversify agricultural production and expand high-value crops, contributing to improved efficiency and long-term sustainability in agriculture.

White strawberries are considered a rare crop globally and are known for their value in niche markets. The experience in Hail demonstrated the variety’s ability to adapt to local environmental conditions, supported by suitable infrastructure and local technical expertise.
Production relied on advanced agricultural technologies, including modern irrigation systems and precise crop management practices. National expertise played a key role in applying the model according to scientific standards, resulting in consistent quality and stable production outcomes.

One of the investors in Hail’s strawberry farms explained that the project represents a step toward specialized agriculture based on careful evaluation of high-value crops and their adaptation to local environments. The next phase will focus on improving productivity and expanding cultivation, enhancing the agricultural sector’s economic returns.
The production of white strawberries was implemented through a research agreement with the University of Florida. The process involved controlled technical stages in specialized laboratories, leading to commercial production, with a maturation period of approximately 30 days from flowering to harvest.

Fahad Muaydh Al-Husni, Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Hail, noted that this type of production opens new opportunities for agricultural investment and supports the development of food-processing industries related to strawberries, positively impacting the local economy and job creation.
He emphasized that the white strawberry project reflects the advanced level of local agriculture and its role in supporting food security and achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 through diversified production, improved resource efficiency, and increased reliance on high-quality national products.