Buraidah Dates Carnival highlights Qassim’s lead in Saudi date production

The Buraidah International Dates Carnival highlights the leading position of the Qassim region in the palm and dates sector, producing around 50% of Saudi Arabia’s total date output. This achievement reflects the region’s strong agricultural resources, government support, and ongoing advances in farming and production methods.

Dr. Khalid Al-Naqidan, Secretary-General and CEO of the Buraidah International Dates Carnival, said Qassim is home to about 11 million palm trees and produces over 580,000 tons of dates annually. This makes it one of the Kingdom’s largest date-producing areas and a key contributor to food security, with dates considered a strategic commodity supporting Saudi Arabia’s agricultural development and food security goals.

He explained that this distinction is the result of an integrated system of factors, foremost among them direct support from the Qassim Governorate, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and related agricultural bodies. The region also benefits from fertile land, suitable water resources, and an ideal farming environment that fosters palm cultivation and boosts both the quantity and quality of production.

Al-Naqidan noted that farmers’ dedication to their farms and adherence to modern scientific care programs have improved production efficiency and date quality, making Qassim a national model for developing palm cultivation and date production.

He added that the Buraidah International Dates Carnival is renowned for marketing more than 85% of the region’s Sukkari dates, one of the most sought-after varieties in local and international markets due to their high quality, distinctive taste, and ease of storage and transport. This drives demand and sales during the carnival season.

He pointed out that the future of the date sector is closely linked to expanding the use of modern agricultural technologies, mechanization, improved harvesting methods, and the adoption of advanced irrigation systems that help conserve water while maintaining production quality and volume.

Al-Naqidan affirmed that investing in agricultural technology boosts palm productivity, improves date quality, and preserves water resources. He noted that as farming methods, mechanization, and agricultural practices advance, production efficiency rises and the sustainability of this vital sector is strengthened.

The Buraidah International Dates Carnival continues to serve as one of the Kingdom’s leading marketing and economic platforms for dates, bringing together producers, traders, and consumers. It helps enhance the economic value of Saudi dates and cements Qassim’s status as the capital of dates and a key pillar in supporting the agricultural economy and achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.