RIYADH: The 4th annual AlUla Dates Festival, carrying the theme “Taste Our Pride,” commenced on Friday, promising a cultural feast for visitors while contributing to the local and national economy. Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla, this annual celebration of date fruit has become a significant event in the region’s calendar. It will feature events every Friday and Saturday, continuing until November 11, 2023.
A primary objective of the AlUla Dates Festival is to enhance the popularity and competitiveness of AlUla dates in local, regional, and international markets. This aligns perfectly with the aspirations of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to solidify its position as the world’s leading date producer.
Activities at AlUla Dates Festival
The festival unfolds in two distinct phases. During the period between September 8 and October 28, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, visitors can participate in a captivating date auction in the Al-Aziziyah district. Then, from October 13 to November 11, between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., a vibrant souq at Manshiya Market awaits visitors. These congregations offer a unique opportunity to engage with local farmers, producers, artisans, and to savor an array of date-based culinary delights.
Throughout the festival’s two-month duration, the Royal Commission for AlUla will host various courses and workshops. These educational opportunities aim to enable producers and other interested individuals to acquire new skills and share their expertise. Furthermore, farmers can register for the prestigious Saudi Dates Mark platform. This trademark is granted to farms, factories, and businesses that meet global food safety standards, positioning them for success in the global market.
As part of the festival, select AlUla farmers will be chosen to participate in the upcoming 4th International Dates Conference & Exhibition in Riyadh, scheduled for the year-end.
AlUla boasts an impressive landscape adorned with over 2 million palm trees, covering 10,000 hectares of dedicated farmland. The region has experienced a remarkable resurgence in its date market in recent years, now producing over 90,000 tons of this beloved fruit annually. Among the many date varieties cultivated in AlUla are the Mabroom, Barni, Al-Helwa, and Medjool, each contributing to the rich heritage of Saudi dates.
