MAKKAH: The Buraidah Date Festival began in early August, receiving large quantities of dates from within and outside the Qassim region.
Considered the largest date festival in the world, the event contributes to supplying markets in the Kingdom, the Gulf countries, Europe, and further afield.
Chief Executive Khaled Al-Nuqaidan told Arab News that approximately 2,000 vehicles arrive at the festival daily, loaded with many varieties of dates.
“They are distributed across 28 routes, with marketing and auctioning operations beginning in the early morning hours after Fajr prayer,” Al-Nuqaidan said.
He added that the market features approximately 100 varieties of dates, with the Sukkari variety comprising about 85 percent of the total due to its high quality, distinctive taste, and widespread consumer demand.
The CEO noted that a significant portion of the high-quality dates are ready for export to international markets.
Al-Nuqaidan explained that the festival attracts tourists, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of international associations and organizations, in addition to visitors from across Saudi Arabia, the Gulf countries and beyond.
He stressed that this attendance reflects the prominent position Buraidah has attained as a global destination for dates, adding that the market includes several companies specializing in logistics services, providing direct transport of dates from the market to international markets. He explained that these services allow buyers to order dates by phone, have them prepared, and shipped directly to their destination.
Al-Nuqaidan highlighted that sales and receiving operations were organized through the seasonal platform of the National Center for Palms and Dates. This platform facilitates the relationship between sellers, buyers, and marketers through electronic and digital systems located at the market entrances, in addition to providing daily statistics on date varieties, quantities, and participating farms.
He added that the festival is linked to strategic sponsorships and partnerships with local, Saudi, and international companies. Awards are also presented for the best date products in terms of quality, with the support of official sponsors, encouraging farmers and producers to raise the level of quality and competitiveness.
Al-Nuqaidan explained that the modern date export route parallels the Silk Road, connecting export activity between East and West, reaching European markets via Spain.
He stated that “the organization of the ‘Erth’ International Cultural Salon on Aug. 31 will focus on the themes of dates, milk, and camels. The event will be attended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the Elaf International Co., along with a specialized museum.”
The aim is to enhance the international dimension of the carnival and highlight the cultural and economic heritage associated with palm trees and dates.
Al-Nuqaidan said the festival has not yet reached its peak sales for this season, with markets and squares continuing to receive increasing quantities of dates. He explained that the season continues until Oct. 14, and the value of transactions during the first 23 days exceeded approximately SR325 million ($86.7 million).
He said that the event provides job opportunities for young men and women, in addition to organizing approximately 35 events dedicated to families and children, and a daily tourism program that allows visitors to explore the city of Buraidah by visiting Al-Jardah Market, the Old Market, farms, and other date markets.
Al-Nuqaidan said that the Qassim region has approximately 11.2 million date palms, producing nearly 600,000 tons of dates annually, noting that this production contributes to supporting the Kingdom’s strategic food reserves.
