Seeds of change: how Peregrina oil is helping AlUla’s community to thrive

The seeds of the Moringa Peregrina tree are used to make oil for cosmetics

(Picture: Shutterstock)

Evolving over thousands of years to cope with the harsh desert environment of north-western Saudi Arabia, the moringa peregrina is referred to as the tree that doesn’t die.

“We call it the miracle tree,” says moringa peregrina farmer Marzouq AlBluwi.

Now the seeds of these trees, native to the AlUla region, are in high demand for their edible oil, which is also used in the perfume and cosmetic industries.

“We speak about the oil in both economic terms and in endearing language,” explains AlBluwi. “It’s used in cooking and for making cosmetics. It’s been analysed and it contains all kinds of amino acids. Even if you feed it to sheep they produce more milk.”

The seeds pass through quality control at the Peregrina Centre (RCU)

Unlike other moringa oils, AlUla’s peregrina oil has an exceptionally mild scent, light touch and the ability quickly to penetrate and moisturise the skin.

Use here dates back more than one thousand years to the pre-Islamic era, when it was considered a precious substance and was exported around Asia through ancient trade routes. Today, more than 90,000 trees are cultivated in the AlUla oasis to cater for the domestic and international market for the oil.

We are nourishing the soil where the seeds of entrepreneurs’ ideas can thrive

Amr AlMadani CEO Royal Commission for AlUla

Since 2019, when the Royal Commission for AlUla established the AlUla Peregrina Trading Company, an increased emphasis has been placed on protecting and increasing this important crop and a commitment locally to share the wealth of this boom with the broader AlUla community.

The company provides support to farmers, buys their seeds, presses them and ships the moringa peregrina oil to domestic and international markets. Each farm has its own code to ensure traceability and quality of its seeds.

The finished product, ready to be shipped off around the world (RCU)

There’s a particular emphasis on developing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that work with the oil. Business and production workshops are held at the centre, helping to bolster production and create local jobs.

“We believe our formula for integrating natural, economic and social sustainability will create powerful and lasting growth for AlUla’s SMEs,” says Amr AlMadani, CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla. “We are nourishing the soil where the seeds of entrepreneurs’ ideas can thrive.”

For more on AlUla, or to plan a trip, visit experiencealula.com