The fourth edition of the Otaiqah Dates Season has launched, aiming to highlight the Kingdom’s leading position in the date industry, with Saudi dates exported to over 113 countries and contributing approximately 12% to the national agricultural GDP.
Held at the Agricultural Seasons Hall in Riyadh’s Otaiqah Central Market, the season is an initiative of Riyadh Development Company, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the National Center for Palms and Dates, with the support of Riyadh Municipality as the enabling partner.
It also features participation from the Culinary Arts Commission and the Saudi Tourism Authority through the “Visit Saudi” platform.
Spanning four months to coincide with the date harvesting season, the event is the longest-running seasonal date market in the Kingdom.
It gathers produce from across Saudi regions and serves as a platform uniting traders, farmers, and consumers.
The season exemplifies institutional collaboration in supporting the date sector and positioning it as a developmental and economic driver.
The Otaiqah Dates Season takes place in an area exceeding 10,000 square meters, including an air-conditioned hall of 2,500 square meters, allowing more than 65 traders and farmers to showcase their products through retail stalls.
To enrich the family experience and enhance interactive content, a fully equipped children’s area has been designated, featuring educational and entertainment activities such as palm planting, coloring workshops, cooking experiences, and interactive heritage plays.
The season also includes diverse entertainment shows, active participation by local families working in the cottage industry, and food trucks serving traditional Saudi dishes, creating a festive, community-driven atmosphere.