Qassim Dates: A Food Diversity that Enhances Saudi Arabia's Global Leadership
Dates are an integral part of the Saudi table, holding a special place as a favorite food and a main dish during the holy month of Ramadan, thanks to their high nutritional value and numerous health benefits. At the heart of this vital sector, the Qassim region stands out as the date capital of the Kingdom, boasting a massive production exceeding 584,000 tons annually, and a unique diversity encompassing more than 30 varieties of the finest dates.
A deep historical and cultural legacy
Palm cultivation and date production are deeply intertwined with the history of the Arabian Peninsula, where the date palm has been a primary source of food and shelter for centuries. More than just a crop, it has become a symbol of generosity, abundance, and resilience, even becoming part of the emblem of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This cultural heritage explains the esteemed position dates hold in Saudi society; they are not merely a food source, but a symbol of hospitality and authentic tradition.
Al-Qassim: The Kingdom's Date Basket
The National Center for Palms and Dates explained that the Qassim region is home to more than 10.8 million palm trees distributed across over 13,000 farms, making it the Kingdom's leading date-producing region. Qassim is renowned for producing premium varieties that enjoy widespread local and international acclaim, most notably: Sukkari, Sagai, Wanana, and Shaqra . The annual Buraidah Date Festival, held in the region, is considered the world's largest date market, serving as a vital economic platform for farmers and investors and reinforcing the region's position as a major hub for this industry.
Nutritional value and vital role in Ramadan
Dates provide the fasting person with immediate energy at Iftar (the meal to break the fast) thanks to their rich content of easily absorbed natural sugars such as glucose and fructose. They also prepare the stomach to receive food after long hours of fasting. Dates contain all the necessary nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which supports overall health and significantly increases their consumption during the holy month.
A pillar of the national economy and Vision 2030
The date palm and date sector in the Kingdom is witnessing significant growth, achieving record figures in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify national income sources and enhance food security. The Kingdom's total production has exceeded 1.9 million tons, with exports valued at approximately 1.7 billion riyals. This development has not only contributed to achieving self-sufficiency but has also positioned the Kingdom as the world's leading exporter of dates, with its high-quality products reaching markets in 133 countries worldwide. This strengthens the position of Saudi products on the international stage and sustainably supports the national economy.
