Emir of Qassim region attends 'Golden Night' at Buraidah International Dates Carnival

Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Emir of Qassim Region, attended the "Golden Night" of the Buraidah International Dates Carnival on Monday evening. The event was held at King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah, with the participation of officials, palm and dates sector stakeholders, business leaders, and farmers.

The emir congratulated the success and distinction achieved by the Buraidah International Dates Carnival, affirming that the carnival has become an economic, agricultural, and tourism event that goes beyond the concept of a seasonal market. He said it contributes to enhancing the economic value of Saudi dates and opens wider paths for investment, marketing, and industries related to palms and dates.

He noted the support and empowerment enjoyed by the agricultural, economic, and tourism sectors from the wise leadership — thanks to God’s grace and success — stressing that the leadership’s support and the cooperation of relevant authorities and distinguished sponsors represent two essential elements in translating this success into reality.

The emir praised the cultural and tourism programs, diverse events, economic and marketing activities witnessed at this year’s carnival, as well as its attendance and interaction. He valued the efforts of the organizing bodies, government and private sectors, sponsors, and partners, in addition to farmers, marketers, traders, organizing committees, work teams, volunteers, and media professionals, whose combined efforts contributed to the carnival’s success.

He emphasized the importance of building on these achievements and continuing to develop the carnival to become a broader platform for economy, investment, industry, tourism, and culture. He called for enhancing the presence of the region’s dates locally and internationally and benefiting from the promising opportunities provided by the palm and dates sector in downstream industries, contributing to raising the added value of the national product.

The emir witnessed the ceremonial program prepared for the occasion, which included a video presentation reviewing the journey of the Buraidah International Dates Carnival and highlighting its development, programs, events, and wide participation during this season.

Salem Al-Malik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), delivered a speech expressing his thanks to the emir of Qassim region for his interest in the carnival and support for programs that combine economy, culture, and heritage. He praised the organizational level and distinguished presence of the Buraidah International Dates Carnival and its role in showcasing the palm and dates as part of the cultural and economic identity, and in promoting this heritage on a wider scale.

Khaled Al-Naqidan, Executive Director of the Buraidah International Dates Carnival, also spoke, appreciating the support, interest, and follow-up of the emir of Qassim region, chairman of the carnival’s supreme committee. He pointed out that the carnival, which started its current season on August 1, witnessed noticeable growth in the volume of offerings and attendance, alongside more than 40 cultural and tourism programs distributed across eight sites, with participation from 130 entities and teams. He confirmed that what has been achieved forms a foundation for more developed seasons and wider partnerships, contributing to greater economic and developmental impact.

During the ceremony, the emir presented the Best Farm Award, sponsored by Abdul Latif Jameel Automobiles, to farmer Abdullah Al-Hajras of Al-Hajrasiyah Farm, in recognition of the farm’s excellence and production quality, and to encourage farmers to develop agricultural practices and improve the quality of date production.

At the conclusion of the event, the emir honored the sponsoring, partnering, and contributing entities to the success of the Buraidah International Dates Carnival, in appreciation of their role and efforts in the success of its events and programs.