Qassim hosts world's largest date festival with over 11 million palms

Qassim has established itself as the date capital of Saudi Arabia, boasting an agricultural wealth of more than 11 million palm trees that produce a wide variety of premium dates. Leading the selection is the sought-after Sukkari date, which is among the region's most prominent and in-demand agricultural products both locally and internationally.

This status is highlighted each year with the organization of the world’s largest date carnival in Buraidah, where farmers, traders, and investors gather under one roof. The event serves as an economic and marketing platform, boosting commercial activity, increasing the added value of national products, and opening new horizons for export and investment in the palm and date sector.

The carnival attracts broad participation from producers, who employ the latest sorting, packaging, and marketing techniques. This ensures product quality, transparency in sales, and strengthens the competitiveness of Saudi dates in regional and international markets.

Diverse and high-quality production

Qassim is home to millions of palm trees producing a variety of date types, with Sukkari being the region’s signature, alongside Barhi, Khalas, Sagai, Nabt Saif, and others. These products are distinguished by their high quality and nutritional value, driving increased demand both locally and globally and supporting the expansion of Saudi date exports to dozens of international markets.

Guinness record and global competitiveness

Khaled Al-Naqeidan, Secretary-General and CEO of the Buraidah International Date Carnival, stated that Qassim is home to over 11 million palms producing top-quality dates. He noted that the Buraidah International Date Carnival has cemented its status as the world’s largest date festival, recognized by the Guinness World Records, reflecting the region’s leadership in the sector.

Al-Naqeidan added that the carnival annually attracts thousands of farmers, traders, and investors, providing a comprehensive economic and marketing platform that enhances commercial activity, increases the added value of Saudi dates, and expands opportunities for investment and export. He pointed out that Saudi dates have reached dozens of international markets thanks to their high quality and the adoption of the latest sorting, packaging, and marketing practices, supporting their global competitiveness and aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.