Saudi dates at the Qatar Agriculture Exhibition: Global leadership and processing industries
In a strategic move reflecting the rapid development of the agricultural sector in Saudi Arabia, the National Center for Palms and Dates its key efforts and initiatives to develop the palm and date sector during its active participation in the Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (Agritech) in Doha. This participation aimed to highlight the Kingdom's production and marketing capabilities and to strengthen the position of Saudi dates as a globally competitive product in international markets.
Historical depth and authentic cultural heritage
The importance of date palms in Saudi Arabia extends beyond their economic value; they represent an integral part of the Kingdom's and the Arabian Peninsula's cultural and heritage identity. Saudi Arabia boasts a long and rich history of date palm cultivation, with over 33 million palm trees across its lands, making it home to some of the world's finest date varieties. This status was further solidified by the inscription of the date palm on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, adding a profound cultural dimension to the economic efforts spearheaded by the National Center for Palms and Dates today.
The shift towards innovative manufacturing industries
The center's pavilion at the exhibition witnessed a remarkable turnout, with visitors not only sampling the finest varieties of Saudi dates but also expressing their admiration for the qualitative advancements in the date processing industries . The center focused on highlighting the added value of dates through innovative products including date syrup, date paste, natural sweeteners, and flavorings, reflecting the sector's transformation from traditional agriculture to a comprehensive food industry that contributes to food security and meets the demands of global consumers.
Global leadership and record-breaking achievements
These moves come at a time when Saudi Arabia reigns supreme in global date exports by value, with a massive annual production exceeding 1.9 million tons. The Kingdom is working according to well-defined plans to increase export volume and open new markets, with Saudi dates now reaching more than 100 countries worldwide. These figures are a tangible manifestation of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 , which seeks to maximize the contribution of non-oil sectors to the gross domestic product.
International partnerships for a sustainable future
Participation in Agriteq was more than just a product showcase; it served as a vital platform for exchanging expertise and building investment partnerships. Through these international events, the National Center for Palms and Dates seeks to attract foreign investment in modern agricultural technologies and enhance cooperation to ensure the sector's sustainability and increase production efficiency, thus guaranteeing Saudi Arabia's continued leadership in this vital field.
