The annual appearance of Sirius has marked the beginning of the traditional autumn season in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region, signaling the start of an important period in the area’s agricultural calendar.
Known locally as “Alb,” the seasonal appearance of Sirius has guided farming activities in Asir for generations, serving as a traditional indicator of changing weather conditions, rainfall patterns and agricultural cycles.
“Alb” Marks a Seasonal Transition Observed for Generations
The appearance of Sirius in mid-July coincides with the deepening of the Indian seasonal low-pressure system over Saudi Arabia’s southwestern highlands, creating favorable conditions for the formation of cumulonimbus clouds and essential summer rainfall.
According to researcher Dr. Abdullah Al-Mousa, the period is often accompanied by a local phenomenon known as “Ghusmat Alb,” during which dust blows from the Tihama lowlands.
The season is also associated with local folklore and natural observations, including the fledging of young crows and the emergence of certain insects and reptiles.
Asir’s Diverse Landscape Supports Unique Agriculture
The seasonal transition is particularly important for Asir, whose diverse geography stretches from the Sarawat Mountains to the Tihama plains, providing a relatively cooler climate than many other parts of the Kingdom.
These conditions support year-round cultivation and enable farmers to grow rain-fed crops that can be more difficult to cultivate elsewhere.
Ancient Agricultural Terraces Meet Modern Technology
Autumn rainfall builds on planting activities carried out during the spring, while farmers continue to maintain Asir’s ancient agricultural terraces, which help conserve soil and capture rainwater across the region’s mountainous terrain.
Today, agricultural practices increasingly combine traditional knowledge with modern technologies, including advanced irrigation systems and greenhouses designed to improve water efficiency and maximize agricultural productivity.
Grains, Fruits and Specialty Coffee Drive Local Production
Asir’s highlands and plains produce a diverse range of crops. Traditional rain-fed grains, including sorghum, pearl millet and sesame, account for more than 50% of cultivated land in the Kingdom’s southwest.
Farmers also grow wheat, corn and barley, alongside temperate fruits that benefit from cooler high-altitude conditions, including apples, pears, strawberries, grapes and pomegranates.
The region’s mountainous highlands are also witnessing a significant resurgence in the cultivation of high-value specialty coffee, while Bisha governorate remains an important center for date production.
Asir Leads Saudi Honey Production and Vegetation Diversity
Although Asir accounts for around 2% of Saudi Arabia’s overall raw crop volume, the region’s agricultural importance lies largely in its specialized products and remarkable environmental diversity.
Asir is a national leader in beekeeping, producing approximately 20% of Saudi Arabia’s total honey output in 2024. The region also hosts around 70% of the Kingdom’s vegetation diversity across approximately one million hectares of forested land.
The traditional association between the appearance of Sirius and Asir’s agricultural season reflects the region’s longstanding relationship with nature, as generations-old farming knowledge increasingly combines with modern technologies and government initiatives to support sustainable agriculture and develop high-value local products.
