Saudi Arabia's Reef Program: Registration Steps and Supported Sectors
Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development (Reef) program supports small-scale farmers and rural families by linking their produce to retail markets. Supervised by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, applications are submitted online through the Unified National Platform, according to the Riyadh Region Municipality.
What is the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development (Reef) program?
Reef is the short name for the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development program overseen by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. It serves small farmers and families working in the rural sector and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 targets, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
The program extends beyond direct financial support. It qualifies agricultural products to meet modern display and distribution standards, building a system that starts with product preparation and ends with placement at retail outlets, according to Dr. Maha bint Mohammed Al-Dahi, CEO of the Saudi Reef Academy.
Which sectors does the Reef program support?
The program focuses on agricultural value chains to move local produce from the farm to organized marketing channels. The sectors and activities targeted by ministry initiatives and the Saudi Reef Academy include:
- Local agricultural production prepared for structured market entry.
- Agricultural products directed to retail outlets and stores.
- Agricultural supply chains designed to reduce food loss and improve efficiency.
The Saudi Reef Academy builds partnerships with related sectors to create marketing opportunities for farmers, according to the ministry’s website. To confirm whether your specific activity qualifies, check the list of eligible sectors on the official application platform before starting your request.
How do I register for the Reef program step by step?
Applications for Reef support are submitted through the Unified National Platform, according to the Riyadh Region Municipality portal. The process follows standard digital government procedures:
- Visit the Unified National Platform for government services.
- Search for the “Support Request for the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development (Reef) Program” service provided by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
- Log in using your National Single Sign-On account.
- Complete the required details about your agricultural or rural activity.
- Submit the application and track its status through the platform.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture holds the primary role in supporting agricultural projects and rural development, while other entities provide complementary services, according to the Riyadh Region Municipality.
What is the "Reefna Sar Aqrab" campaign and how does it help farmers?
The “Reefna Sar Aqrab” (Our Countryside Is Closer) campaign was launched by Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Eng. Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti on 18/11/1447 AH. It focuses on supporting small farmers and getting their produce into retail outlets and stores, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
The campaign forms part of the Saudi Reef Academy’s efforts to deliver several outcomes:
- Raising the readiness of local agricultural products.
- Improving supply chain efficiency.
- Reducing food loss.
- Supporting sustainable farmer incomes.
- Building consumer confidence in local produce and strengthening its competitiveness.
Dr. Maha bint Mohammed Al-Dahi described the campaign as a practical step toward connecting farmers with markets. She said the academy is building an integrated system that begins with qualifying agricultural products and ends with securing their presence at retail outlets.
Who provides complementary services to rural residents?
While the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture leads rural development programs, other government bodies offer complementary services to rural residents. According to the Riyadh Region Municipality, these include:
| Entity | Complementary Service |
|---|---|
| Riyadh Region Municipality | Developing rural roads, issuing building and fencing permits for farms, and supervising seasonal agricultural markets. |
| Ministry of Health | Instant remote medical consultations. |
| Technical and Vocational Training Corporation | Browsing available training courses. |
Government platforms also provide additional services, such as operational and construction licensing for rural farms through the my.gov.sa portal.
How does the Reef program differ from traditional cash subsidies?
Reef is not classified as a simple direct cash subsidy. Its primary focus is developing agricultural value chains and moving produce from the farm to organized marketing, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. This approach ties support to building a complete pathway connecting farmers with market requirements and distribution partnerships, creating broader growth opportunities for local products rather than relying solely on financial transfers.
Key facts
- “Reefna Sar Aqrab” launch date: 18/11/1447 AH (Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture).
- Supervising authority: Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (Riyadh Region Municipality).
- Qualification implementing body: Saudi Reef Academy (Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture).
- Application platform: Unified National Platform (Riyadh Region Municipality).
What should applicants do next?
Prepare the details of your agricultural or rural activity and log in through the National Single Sign-On to access the Reef support service on the Unified National Platform. Follow updates from the Saudi Reef Academy regarding marketing qualification campaigns such as “Reefna Sar Aqrab,” as they determine how your products reach major retail outlets. Review the complementary services offered by municipalities and training authorities to ensure your farm meets all construction and operational licensing requirements before submitting your application.