The event will celebrate the sector’s impressive growth and rich heritage.
Saudi Arabia’s Diriyah Dates Festival is now underway, bringing with it an abundance of tradition, flavour, and festivity. Running daily from 5pm to 10pm until 24 July, the festival is hosted in the historic city of Diriyah and organised by the National Centre for Palms and Dates.
Far more than just a marketplace, Diriyah Dates Festival is a celebration of the Kingdom’s rich agricultural heritage and its global ambitions for one of its most precious products: dates.
From premium Medjool to Khudri and Sukari varieties, Saudi Arabia’s dates are prized for their quality and flavour. The festival offers visitors the chance to experience the best of the sector, from fresh produce and artisanal palm-based products to interactive workshops, food trucks, cultural displays, and even a live date auction.
A particular highlight is the Ministry of Culture’s booth, which shines a spotlight on local artisans as part of the Year of Handicrafts, with palm weaving and traditional crafts taking centre stage.
Adding to the lively atmosphere, the festival also includes horse parades, live entertainment, and pop-up dining experiences featuring dishes and desserts crafted with dates by leading local chefs and cafés.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture was praised at the festival’s opening for its role in supporting date farmers and enhancing the Kingdom’s production capabilities. These efforts align with Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and elevate Saudi-made products on the global stage.
According to the General Authority for Statistics, Saudi Arabia produced over 1.9 million tonnes of dates in 2024 and exported them to 133 countries, generating $453 million in revenue. These figures reflect the growing strength and global appeal of the sector.
GO: Visit datesdiriyah.com for more information.