RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s palm and dates sector is experiencing significant growth, with exports increasing by 13.7 percent in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. 

This food division is regarded as a significant contributor to diversifying income sources and boosting the gross domestic product, as the Kingdom has ambitions to establish its dates as the premier choice globally.  

The National Center for Palm and Dates has recently revealed a significant increase in value across various countries during the period, reaching SR644 million ($171.7 million), compared to SR566 million in the first quarter of 2023. 

In 2023, the value reported by NCPD increased by 14 percent, reaching SR1.462 billion, compared to SR1.280 billion in 2022. By the end of 2023, the number of countries importing Saudi dates had reached 119.  

In an interview with Arab News in March, Mohammed Al-Nuwairan, CEO of NCPD, emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s export portfolio extends beyond dates, encompassing derivatives like molasses, pastes, and others. This diversification enhances the sector’s export presence beyond the Kingdom’s borders.  

“East Asian countries are receiving attention from Saudi exports of dates, especially to Singapore, situated in the heart of countries targeted for exporting dates and their derivatives, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and also China in particular. What supports this is the high demand for Saudi dates, which possess high nutritional values and production quality,” he said at that time. 

The total value of date and date by-product exports has surged by 152.5 percent since 2016, rising from SR579 million in 2016 to SR1.462 billion in 2023, marking a compound annual growth rate of 12.3 percent.  

According to the Saudi Press Agency, date exports to several countries, including Austria, Norway, and Argentina, as well as Brazil, Portugal, Germany and Canada, exceeded 100 percent. 

According to the Saudi Press Agency, date exports to several countries, including Austria, Norway, and Argentina, as well as Brazil, Portugal, Germany, and Canada, exceeded 100 percent.  

Additionally, the value of Saudi date exports increased to Morocco by 69 percent, Indonesia by 61 percent, and South Korea by 41 percent. Exports to the UK, the US, and Malaysia rose by 33 percent, 29 percent, and 16 percent, respectively.  

RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council aims to reduce reliance on oil revenues by implementing a comprehensive vision for economic diversification, as emphasized by its Secretary-General, Jasem Al-Budaiwi. 

During the Gulf Creatives Conference, organized by the Diwan at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Al-Budaiwi outlined a vision that embraces diverse sectoral reforms. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening economic resilience and attracting foreign investments, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

He noted GCC countries have positioned themselves as competitive digital hubs on the global map, supported by their favorable geographic location and young population. 

“The strategic location, coupled with robust infrastructure, paves the way for the council member states to attract international partnerships that support their long-term development goals,” Al-Budaiwi said. 

He added: “This dynamic approach is vital for sustaining economic growth and ensuring the resilience of Gulf economies in the face of global economic fluctuations and regional challenges.” 

Additionally, Al-Budaiwi emphasized the numbers and data supporting these plans and showcased the advancements made by GCC nations, including the establishment of the Customs Union, the GCC Common Market, and the Unified Economic Agreement. He cited Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project as an example of urban development initiatives within GCC nations. 

He explained that smart cities are designed to reduce waste, enhance energy efficiency, and streamline urban management by leveraging artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. 

He continued by stating that this further underscores the GCC nations’ commitment to technologically advanced and environmentally friendly urban design, as well as the increased emphasis on cybersecurity to mitigate growing risks and maintain confidence in the digital economy. 

Moreover, Al-Budaiwi emphasized the transition from oil-dependent to diversified economies and expressed satisfaction with the outstanding economic and integration achievements of the GCC countries. 

In February, he held a series of meetings in Riyadh with foreign ambassadors to Saudi Arabia. 

Al-Budaiwi met with the South Korean Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung Hyuk, at the general secretariat headquarters in Riyadh. 

During the meeting, the secretary-general discussed the developments in the free trade agreement between the GCC countries and South Korea, which was signed in December 2023. 

Both sides expressed their desire to enhance cooperation between nations and increase focus on mutual interests such as education, health, investment, and pharmaceuticals. 

The meeting also reviewed relations between the GCC and South Korea, emphasizing the importance of enhancing strategic dialogue through the areas of cooperation outlined in the joint action plan.