Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Bin Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz

Deputy emir of Jazan

ONE of the cultural treasures of Saudi Arabia is located in the southwestern part of our country, which is rich and distinct. The cultural arch is amazing with its diversity and uniqueness in the Jazan region. Although my testimony is about the region that I fell in love with, this impression prevails on any visitor of the Red Sea coast, mountains, and vast plains of Jazan.

When you turn your face toward the highlands of Jazan, Khawlani coffee trees will captivate your attention to the mountainous regions of Jazan such as Al-Dayer, Fifa, Al-Aidabi, Haroub, Al-Aridha, and Al-Raith that are deeply rooted in the epochs of history, originality, and perfection and where no voice is louder than the sound of coffee, as well as that of its production and energy absorbed from it.

There are around 171,300 coffee trees in these regions and these include nearly 100,000 fruit trees. The average annual production of coffee beans per tree is recorded at four kilograms. The joint efforts of colleagues in government agencies and the private sector are still continuing vigorously to reach the targeted plantation of one million coffee trees by the year 2030.

With the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman to diversify sources of income and preserve our ancient legacy and heritage, and under the leadership of Jazan Emir Prince Muhammad Bin Nasser, the promotion of Khawlani coffee cultivation is going on. Subsequently, the demand for coffee seedlings in the region has jumped to unprecedented levels over the past five years, and the numbers are still rising. Through my daily interaction with the people of the region, I am certain that we will go ahead in achieving our aspirations to a great extent.

With the “green gold” impression registered in the minds of the people of the region apart from its historical and cultural value that is reflected in the unique diversity of our country, the Emirate of Jazan region has taken many initiatives with partners and has contributed to enhancing the capabilities of local farmers. As a result of which the number of trees within years has jumped from 20,000 to more than 171,300, boosting the production of coffee beans to more than 396.7 tons annually.

Due to its ancient history and unique topography, Jazan has succeeded in becoming the center of coffee cultivation in the region and it holds an annual festival for it. It aspires to be one of the most important sources of coffee distribution in the world, and with local capabilities and support from our wise leadership, we will achieve that goal.

We are partnering with colleagues in the Ministry of Culture, led by my brother Prince Badr Bin Abdullah Bin Farhan, in shedding light on the cultural and heritage aspects of coffee cultivation in the region and a part of its ancient cultural heritage. The endeavors of partners from all public and private sectors and the non-profit sector to preserve Saudi Arabia’s heritage would be met with success with the registration of Khawlani coffee cultivation on the list of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) intangible heritage. This step would be an important historical turning point in coffee cultivation in the region, and a catalyst to exert more efforts until coffee occupies the lofty place it deserves.

The signing of agreements between national companies and coffee growers in the region on Oct.25 is regarded as an important leap in the journey to promote coffee cultivation. The efforts of colleagues in the Emirate of Jazan as well as the Ministry of Culture, Ministry Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the Saudi Center for Economic Business culminated in signing these agreements.

Today, challenges and hopes are on the rise. But with the support of the Crown Prince to achieve the prosperity of all regions of our dear homeland, and with my infinite confidence in the people of the region, I am confident that Jazan would have a prosperous and flourishing future in all realms of life.

— The writer is Prince Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Bin Muhammad Bin Abdulaziz Deputy emir of Jazan, can be reached on Twitter: @Mamalsaud