Medina governor sponsors launch of Medina Dates Season 2026

Medina Governor Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, who also chairs the Higher Committee for Date Sector Development, emphasized that the Kingdom’s security, prosperity, and strength are blessings from God, and the result of wise leadership by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince. He noted that Medina receives special attention and continuous follow-up from the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, given its deep significance to Muslims, its cultural value, historical depth, and promising economic opportunities.

He made these remarks while sponsoring the Medina Dates Season 2026 ceremony, held at the Medina Central Dates Market, and attended by Deputy Governor Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, who also serves as Deputy Chair of the Higher Committee for Date Sector Development and Chair of the Supervisory Committee.

He explained that Medina dates are closely linked to the Prophet’s biography and are among the region’s most distinctive assets. He stressed that the date sector is a promising field with significant potential to create added economic value and boost the presence of Saudi products in local and global markets.

The governor expressed his gratitude to all entities supporting the Medina Dates Season, noting that this season marks a new chapter that enhances the standing and competitiveness of Medina dates, and supports sector development through partnerships between government, private, and non-profit sectors.

He also thanked Prince Saud bin Nahar bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Medina Mayor and CEO of the Regional Development Authority Fahd bin Mohammed Al-Bulayshi, and all participating entities for their efforts in highlighting the value of Medina dates and expanding their reach to regional and international markets.

The ceremony began with the national anthem, followed by a fireworks display. The program included a recitation from the Holy Qur’an and two poems celebrating the importance of dates in Medina.

Attendees then watched a video presentation highlighting key features and milestones of the season, as well as footage documenting the first postal shipment of dates sent via Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport.

The event continued with a performance by 50 Medina youth, showcasing the significance of Medina dates. Another video introduced the first Dates Industry Forum, aimed at supporting date processing industries and fostering innovation.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the National Center for Palms and Dates, the National Industrial Development Center, and the Institute of Food Industries to develop national human resources in the palm and date sector.

During the event, the Medina governor honored the organizing bodies, sponsors, and partners supporting the season.

He concluded his visit with a tour of the accompanying exhibition, where he reviewed the pavilions of participating entities and their products and initiatives contributing to the growth of the date sector. He was briefed on the season’s components, which include over 50 pavilions, the first industrial forum for dates, knowledge and cultural programs, date shops and processed products, and sections for productive families and artisans—strengthening the season’s role as an integrated economic, cultural, and tourism destination.