The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program “Saudi Reef,” is participating in the first World Expo of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization “FAO” titled “From Seeds to Foods,” hosted by the Italian capital Rome at Parco di Porta Capena, from October 10 to 13.
This comes within the Kingdom’s efforts to enhance its global leadership in supporting and developing the sustainable agricultural sector, supporting small farmers, and promoting rural products in international markets.
The participation of the “Saudi Reef” program in this global exhibition aims to highlight the Saudi experience in developing rural communities and showcase the most prominent achievements and figures achieved by the program in supporting small farmers.
In addition to displaying the sectors benefiting from support, such as Saudi coffee, natural honey, aromatic plants, and others.
Enhancing Commercial Partnerships
The Saudi pavilion also aims to enhance commercial partnerships and connect with experts and specialists in sustainable agriculture from around the world.
Among the highlights of the “Saudi Reef” pavilion are special distributions for visitors consisting of boxes and containers containing Saudi coffee, to introduce the Kingdom’s heritage in cultivating and preparing coffee, and to highlight its heritage and economic value, along with providing informational materials and direct meetings with visitors.
Attracting Foreign Investments
The participation in this exhibition represents an important opportunity to introduce the Saudi model of sustainable rural development and learn about the latest global agricultural innovations and solutions that can be utilized to support farmers in the Kingdom.
The participation also seeks to attract foreign investments and expand the scope of international cooperation, contributing to achieving the targets of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance food security, diversify the economy, and highlight the Kingdom’s global position in the agricultural sector.
Agricultural and Food Value Chains
The “From Seeds to Foods” exhibition organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization “FAO” is a celebratory event marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UN organization.
It aims to explore the entire agricultural and food value chains by combining ancient traditions and innovative technologies, providing the public with an opportunity to taste foods and learn about modern practices and techniques in agriculture.
In addition to presenting a comprehensive vision of sustainable food transformation, from seed production to supply chains, distribution, and consumption.
The exhibition includes various events comprising dialogue sessions, workshops, and conferences that bring together government leaders, experts, companies, and civil society organizations to discuss innovative solutions to agricultural and food challenges, making it a distinctive global platform for exchanging expertise and experiences.
It also serves as a platform for hundreds of exhibitors from around the world to take visitors on an informative and enjoyable exploratory journey through the value chains of field crops, horticulture, livestock, forestry, and fisheries.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, is a modern nation built upon a deep historical and cultural heritage rooted in the Arabian Peninsula. It is the birthplace of Islam and home to the religion’s two holiest cities, Makkah and Madinah, which have been central to its identity for over fourteen centuries. The country’s recent history has been profoundly shaped by the discovery of oil in the 1930s, transforming it into a leading global economic power.
Saudi Reef
I am unable to provide a summary for “Saudi Reef” as it does not appear to be a widely recognized or documented geographical place, cultural site, or landmark. It is possible the name may refer to a specific local dive spot, a colloquial term, or a fictional location, but no verifiable information is available in common reference sources.
World Expo
The World Expo is a major international exhibition designed to showcase the achievements and innovations of nations. Originating with London’s Great Exhibition of 1851, these global events have historically served as platforms for countries to present their progress in industry, technology, and culture. Each Expo is themed around pressing global issues, fostering international collaboration and public engagement.
FAO
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1945 to lead international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and food security. Its work involves providing policy support, sharing knowledge and expertise, and bringing countries together to partner on major food and agriculture programs.
Rome
Rome, the capital of Italy, was founded in the 8th century BC and grew to become the epicenter of the vast Roman Empire. It is renowned for its ancient ruins such as the Colosseum and Roman Forum, as well as its profound influence on law, politics, and Western civilization. Today, it remains a major global city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, housing Vatican City within its borders.
Parco di Porta Capena
The Parco di Porta Capena is a modern public park in Rome, located near the historic Circus Maximus. It is named for the nearby ancient Porta Capena gate of the Servian Wall, which once marked the start of the Appian Way. Today, the park is also known for hosting the FAO’s “Garden of the Righteous,” which honors individuals who stood against crimes against humanity.
Saudi coffee
Saudi coffee, known as Al-Qahwa, is a traditional beverage deeply embedded in the cultural and social fabric of the Arabian Peninsula. Historically, it was a staple for Bedouin tribes, symbolizing hospitality and generosity, and is traditionally made from lightly roasted coffee beans and cardamom. It remains a central part of social gatherings and ceremonies, served in a small cup called a “finjan” as a welcoming gesture to guests.
Kingdom’s Vision 2030
“Kingdom’s Vision 2030” is not a physical place or cultural site, but a strategic framework and blueprint for Saudi Arabia’s future development. Launched in 2016 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, its history is rooted in the need to diversify the Kingdom’s economy away from oil dependency. The vision outlines ambitious goals across economic, social, and cultural sectors to transform Saudi Arabia by the year 2030.
