Qassim governor praises economic impact of Buraidah Dates Carnival

Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Qassim Region, visited the Buraidah International Dates Carnival at the Dates City in Buraidah early today. He reviewed the dates auction activities, sales and marketing operations, as well as accompanying events and services.

The governor toured the carnival grounds, observed the methods used to display and market dates, and noted the variety of products on offer. He met with several farmers, brokers, and marketers, and received a briefing on trading activity, sales mechanisms, and the economic and commercial vibrancy of the event.

He also reviewed the logistics services provided at the carnival, including transport, shipping, packaging, and distribution solutions offered by specialized companies. These services help maintain the quality and safety of dates and expand their reach across the Kingdom and to international markets. Shipping services now cover more than 100 cities and provinces within Saudi Arabia, while air freight reaches over 70 countries.

Initiatives to localize jobs and develop the sector

The governor was briefed on the "Khiraf Al-Nakheel" initiative, which aims to localize the profession of date harvesting and empower Saudis to work in this sector. The initiative also provides seasonal job opportunities and helps preserve the agricultural heritage associated with palm trees. He praised the training programs undertaken by participants, highlighting their role in developing skills and enhancing efficiency.

Faisal bin Mishaal emphasized that the carnival's success is due to the efforts of participating sectors and integrated services. He described the event as a global platform for marketing a diverse food product and an economic asset for Saudi Arabia, especially Qassim, which leads the Kingdom in date production.

Economic opportunities and leadership support

He stressed the importance of continuing to develop the palm and dates sector, capitalizing on investment opportunities, and expanding value-added industries to increase the economic value of dates and strengthen the presence of Saudi products in local and global markets. He also acknowledged the support from national leadership and cooperation among stakeholders and sponsors, which has contributed to the carnival's success and the creation of around 4,000 direct and indirect seasonal jobs.

At the end of his visit, the governor expressed appreciation for all participants and sponsors, underscoring the need to further develop the carnival system and enhance the economic value of the palm and dates sector to strengthen Qassim's position in date production, manufacturing, and marketing both locally and internationally.