MAKKAH: As Saudi Arabia continues to accelerate its efforts to diversify its economy and boost non-oil exports, Madinah Dates Season, which began on Monday, provides a platform that combines the Kingdom’s rich agricultural heritage with modern investment opportunities.
Held under the patronage of Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Madinah Region and chair of the Madinah Region Development Authority, the annual event aims to provide support for farmers, strengthen date-related industries and expand the global presence of Saudi dates.
Spokesperson Badr Al-Naqidan told Arab News that the season aligns with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification by helping to develop the agricultural sector, increase the value of national products, enhance the competitiveness of Saudi dates and expand their reach in international markets.
“The season further reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of dates,” he added.
The event attracts farmers, investors, entrepreneurs, industry stakeholders and visitors from across the Kingdom and other countries, Al-Naqidan said, with a program that includes specialized exhibitions, workshops, panel discussions and interactive events highlighting the latest practices and investment opportunities in the date sector.
Madinah has been associated with date palm cultivation for thousands of years, he added, and its agricultural heritage gained even greater significance with the advent of Islam.
Madinah dates, especially the Ajwa variety, enjoy particular religious, cultural and nutritional significance, placing them among the most sought-after varieties of dates in local and international markets. Other well-known varieties include Barni, Safawi, Anbarah, Rothanah and Mabroom.
Madinah Dates Season season helps farmers by providing opportunities to reach wider markets, while giving productive families and entrepreneurs the chance to showcase date-based products and innovations, Al-Naqidan said. It also supports the food processing, packaging and logistics industries, helping to boost the sector’s economic returns.
There are more than 37.5 million date palms in Saudi Arabia, which collectively produce about 1.92 million tonnes of fruit each year, Al-Naqidan said. The Madinah region ranks third nationally in terms of annual production at 347,000 tonnes, which represents about 18 percent of the Kingdom’s total output.
Meanwhile, the global footprint of Saudi dates continues to grow and they are now available in more than 133 countries, Al-Naqidan said. The value of annual exports exceeds SR1.695 billion ($452 million), he added, which reflects the quality of Saudi dates and the continued success of efforts to increase the competitiveness of the Kingdom in international markets.
