Buraidah dates carnival opens for 75-day season

Buraidah has opened its annual international dates carnival, launching a 75-day trading and cultural programme that brings together farmers, merchants, investors and exporters from across Saudi Arabia and overseas.

The Buraidah International Dates Carnival began on August 1 near the Palm Center, south of the city, and will continue until October 14. Held under the patronage of Qassim Governor Prince Dr Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, the event is organised by the National Center for Palms and Dates.

Thousands of farmers and traders are expected to participate during the harvest season, offering fresh dates in daily auctions and direct sales. The carnival functions as a major commercial marketplace as well as a platform for agricultural investment, food processing and export promotion.

Buraidah’s date market is regarded as one of the largest of its kind globally. The carnival has gained international recognition for its size and commercial activity and has previously received Guinness World Records recognition. Vast quantities of dates are transported to the site during the season, with trading beginning in the early morning as buyers assess varieties, grades, colours and maturity levels.

The programme extends beyond wholesale trading. Organisers have planned economic forums, exhibitions, cultural performances, heritage displays and family activities. Dedicated areas will showcase farming equipment, packaging technologies, food products and businesses involved in the palm and dates supply chain.

The carnival is expected to create seasonal employment for auctioneers, transport workers, warehouse operators, packaging specialists, retailers and food-service businesses. It also provides smaller farms with direct access to large buyers, reducing their dependence on informal marketing channels and helping them secure wider distribution.

Qassim Region is central to Saudi Arabia’s dates economy, with more than 11 million palm trees. Its farms produce several popular varieties, particularly Sukary dates, which are known for their golden colour, soft texture and high sugar content. Other varieties offered at the market include Khalas, Barhi, Saq’i, Safri and Khudari.

Saudi Arabia produces more than 300 varieties of dates and has about 34 million palm trees. Annual output is estimated at 1.6 million tonnes, while domestic self-sufficiency exceeds 100 per cent. Dates remain closely connected to hospitality and religious traditions, but the sector has also developed into an increasingly sophisticated food and export industry.

Producers are expanding beyond whole dates into paste, syrup, molasses, confectionery, baked goods, vinegar and animal feed. Palm residues are also being used in fertilisers, furniture, baskets and other products, helping farms extract greater value from material that was once discarded.

Packaging and quality control have become more prominent as producers seek access to demanding international markets. Temperature management, moisture testing, automated sorting and traceability systems are increasingly important for protecting shelf life and meeting food-safety requirements.

Saudi date exports have expanded to more than 100 countries, supported by government certification programmes and investment in processing facilities. Exporters are targeting markets in Asia, Europe and North America while retaining strong demand across the Gulf and the wider Middle East.

The National Center for Palms and Dates is working to raise production quality, support small farmers and increase both domestic consumption and exports. Its Saudi Dates Mark is awarded to farms and factories that comply with technical and quality standards designed to improve confidence among buyers.

Private companies are also taking a larger role in the carnival. Abdul Latif Jameel Motors has been named the main sponsor for the 2026 edition, while the Toyota Hilux has been selected as its official vehicle. The partnership includes mobility support, visitor activities and services intended to improve operations across the large event site.

Organisers view such partnerships as a way to strengthen links between agriculture, logistics, tourism and private investment. The carnival draws visitors to Buraidah during the harvest period, supporting hotels, restaurants, transport operators and local retailers.