From succulent Ajwa to the sweet sukkary, Saudi Arabia is known for its wide range of date varieties. Dates offer a unique mix of rich history, nutritional richness, and culinary versatility that has been passed down by several generations. In Saudi Arabia, dates are not just an exotic healthy snack, it is an integral part of their everyday life.
Considered one of the best gifts one can give, every gathering, party or dinner in Saudi Arabia begins with a service of dates and Arabic coffee, a very light roast with cardamon and saffron.
Read also: Al-Kaaki Palace: Saudi Arabia’s Treasure Trove Of Architectural Heritage
Ajwa, Safawi, Sukkary, Sagai, are some of the date varieties of this desert land. If one among you ever wishes to taste them all, Buraidah Market is the spot for you.
In the heart of Saudi Arabia’s Al Qassam region, the Buraidah Date Festival transforms the city into a bustling hub of commerce and culture. The largest date market on the world level is more than 60 years old.
Being a global festival, visitors across the world come together to celebrate the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Adding on more excitement, the festival is held for a whole month in high summer. The star attraction is the vast date market, where over 40 date varieties are displayed in numerous stalls.
Read also: Dune Bashing In Saudi Arabia: Adventure Awaits In Desert Land
The impact of the festival is far-reaching, extending beyond the festivities themselves. By fostering a progressive exchange of insights and techniques among date farmers, the celebration and community created by the festival introduces and educates the producers on new techniques. The producers are also educated about the use of contemporary agricultural practices that will yield the finest quality dates.
So next time when you visit Saudi, make sure to check out all these varieties of dates.