Returning Haj pilgrims are busy shopping for their favorite dates: Ajwa dates — a well-known, well-loved and delicious gift from the Kingdom. The stores in downtown Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah are busy selling all kinds of dates, with many pilgrims stopping by to see what all the fuss is about.
The prices of dates –specifically, the Ajwa dates — have increased by nearly 25 percent due to a shortage of farm laborers in harvesting regions, particularly in Madinah. This is largely the result of the implementation of new labor policies affecting both farms and vendors in the Kingdom. The conditions imposed by the Ministry of Labour to recruit seasonal workers in date farms has affected farms throughout the Madinah region, whereas associated rules for vendors have affected shops in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah, according to local traders.
In the past, good quality Ajwa dates were sold for SR 110 per kilogram; now, they are being being sold for SR140 or above. Simultaneously, average quality dates that used to sell for SR 60 are now fetching prices between SR80 and SR100.
“Farmers in the Madinah region have been complaining about a shortage of labor in the area, as well as strict procedures to recruit temporary foreign labor to work in date farms as part of new labor policies that have significantly affected the logistics associated with the date harvest”, according to traders in Jeddah.
These Ministry changes have forced shop owners to comply with the new rules that have increased their shop-keeping costs, as well as increasing costs for other stakeholders in the date market.
Traders also told Arab News on the condition of anonymity that inspection teams from the Ministry of Commerce recently raided several shops that were selling substandard quality dates, and initiated penal measures against fraud vendors for tricking customers, mainly pilgrims.
The history of the Ajwa variety dates back to 5,000BC and is part of ‘Tibwi Nabvi,’ the medicinal practice of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). There are several references in Hadith and Islamic historical literature about Ajwa: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, “One who takes seven Ajwa dates in the morning remains under the protection of Allah from evil and from poison for whole of the day.”
Many strongly believe in the remedial therapy of Ajwa as it was advocated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), in particular, women believe that it prevents black magic and, as such, most female Haj pilgrims prefer to take Ajwa dates with them to present as gifts to their loved ones who are suffering from various illness.
Like other dates, Ajwa also ripens during the peak of summer, and it is kept in cold stores in order to enable continued availability throughout the year, especially during Haj and Ramadan. Unfortunately, most vendors sell dates in the open air, with constant exposure to the sun and heat, causing the dates to lose both taste and monetary value.
Ajwa dates hit by labor rules and price increases
Ajwa dates hit by labor rules and price increases
Ithra will bring Spain to life for 2-week cultural celebration
- Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower
DHAHRAN: Visitors to the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) can enjoy a taste of Spanish culture from Jan. 12-31.
Under the banner “Live Spain,” spaces at Ithra will be transformed to give a glimpse of life in this vibrant European country.
Ithra Cultural Days will unfold across the plaza, museum, theater, lush garden, library, idea lab, cinema, children’s museum, energy exhibit and Ithra tower, with exhibitions dedicated to Spanish photography, fashion and sports. There will also be Spanish cuisine and interactive installations exploring historical and linguistic connections between Arab and Spanish traditions.
There will be live performances across various stages, with a production of “Carmen” among the highlights.
“Cultural exchange is a core part of Ithra’s approach to programming. Celebrating Spain’s culture and history reflects this focus, particularly as this year’s Cultural Days take on a distinctive character by exploring Spain’s cultural heritage,” Noura Alzamil, program manager at Ithra, said.
“Visitors to Ithra will experience an exciting program in every sense, given the scale and variety of events designed to appeal to all tastes and interests.”
Cinema showings will feature Spanish short and feature films, accompanied by post-screening discussions to provide additional cultural context, while talks and sessions in the idea lab and library will explore architecture, literature and creative practice.
Hands-on workshops will invite visitors to engage directly with Spanish crafts and creative traditions, from visual arts and design to food-related practices.
A dedicated program for children and youth will run alongside with storytelling, creative workshops and performances among the attractions. Food and market experiences in Ithra’s public spaces will reflect the important social role played in the country by food.
Ithra Cultural Days present international cultures through immersive, public-facing experiences. This year’s focus on Spain follows the success of last year’s Japan edition, which welcomed more than 200,000 visitors in just two weeks.
