The Ophthalmologist Who Discovered the Secret of Al-Baha Mountain Olive Oil

It was a simple meeting between Engineer Yassin Hamdi, an international olive oil expert, and his friend, Professor Saleh Al-Omari. Yet, it became the gateway to discovering one of the most prominent modern agricultural experiences in Saudi Arabia. As they discussed various destinations for the Eid holiday, Al-Omari confidently stated:

"If you want to see the future of olives in the Kingdom… go to Al-Baha."

The statement resonated with Engineer Yassin. He knew well that producing high-quality olive oil requires a precise environment: sufficient chilling hours, robust soil, and conscious scientific management. And so, the journey began.

Al-Baha's Climate… A Rare Environment for Producing High-Polyphenol Therapeutic Olive Oil

The Al-Baha region boasts climatic characteristics that make it one of the best Arab environments for cultivating high-quality olives, including:

• Cold winters: Providing the necessary chilling hours to stimulate flowering and the formation of "polyphenol" compounds.
• Mountainous elevations: Granting the region a unique thermal balance.
• Red mountainous soil: Rich in mineral elements and capable of producing high-quality olive fruits.

These combined factors create an ideal environment for producing therapeutic olive oil with a high concentration of polyphenols, which is what consumers seek in global markets.

The Exemplary Zaitouna Farm… A Project Led by a Doctor with the Mind of a Global Farmer

Upon Engineer Yassin's arrival at the farm, he didn't expect that the advanced project was led by an ophthalmologist. Dr. Saleh Abbas Al-Hafiz Al-Ghamdi combined the precision of his medical specialization with a deep passion for agriculture, establishing a comprehensive scientific model for olive production.

Dr. Saleh adopted a meticulous methodology that includes:

• Selecting varieties suitable for Al-Baha's highlands.
• Soil analysis and implementing fertilization programs based on scientific data.
• Modern irrigation management based on the plant's actual needs.
• Monitoring growth stages to ensure the highest quality of fruits and oil.

This combination of science, expertise, and passion made the farm one of the most distinguished agricultural experiences in the region. Following regular analyses of the produced oil, Engineer Yassin noted that the acidity level was very low, reaching 0.12% (the maximum according to specifications is 0.8%), and the peroxide value was low at 2.3 meq (the maximum according to specifications is 20 meq), in addition to the oil possessing consistent and distinctive sensory qualities.

Dr. Saleh also places great importance on scientific knowledge and promoting olive cultivation, with lecture halls available on the farm. He actively works to spread olive farming in the Al-Baha region, offering guidance on how to overcome the challenges posed by its mountainous landscape.

Mountain Challenges… And How They Became a Competitive Advantage

The biggest obstacle to olive cultivation in Al-Baha is the lack of flat land. However, Dr. Saleh didn't view this as a hindrance but rather an opportunity to innovate new solutions, most notably:

• Creating agricultural terraces on mountain slopes.
• Adopting manual harvesting despite the high cost.
• Focusing on quality instead of quantity.
• Improving soil management to prevent erosion and increase fertility.

These decisions significantly improved the oil's quality, making it one of the finest olive oils in the Kingdom in terms of its polyphenol content.

A Professional Endorsement… Confirming Quality is No Coincidence

After a field tour and tasting the oil, Engineer Yassin stated:

"This oil possesses all the qualities for global competition… The quality here is not merely local; it's world-class."

This endorsement was a reflection of meticulous scientific work, conscious management, and an exceptional natural environment.

A Message to the World

Engineer Yassin concluded his visit with a clear message to Dr. Saleh:

"You possess an exceptional product… Now is the perfect time to enter global markets."

The international market is seeking pure, high-polyphenol olive oil from a reliable source, and this is precisely what Al-Zaitounah Model Farm provides.

Conclusion

Dr. Saleh Al-Ghamdi's endeavor is more than just an agricultural project; it's an inspiring Arab model demonstrating how science and passion can be harnessed to build an advanced agricultural industry. With Al-Baha's distinctive climate, mountainous soil, and conscious scientific management, a Saudi success story is now unfolding, poised to compete in global markets and offer high-quality therapeutic olive oil that truly reflects the region's prestige and potential.

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