AlUla Royal Commission launches seventh AlUla Dates Season

The Royal Commission for AlUla today launched the seventh edition of the AlUla Dates Season, as part of the 2026–2027 'Khayrat AlUla' agricultural festival. The season began with a date auction in Al-Fursan Village, held on weekends until November 15, bringing together farmers from across the governorate to showcase and sell their harvests.

Seasonal activities continue at the Al-Manshiyah Farmers Market, which welcomes visitors from September 18 to 27. The auction allows farmers to display and market date varieties produced in AlUla, while visitors can explore the diversity of local produce and traditional practices associated with the harvest season.

Diverse events and showcase of local products

The Al-Manshiyah Farmers Market features dedicated sections for local families and artisans, offering dates, agricultural products, local foods, and handicrafts for retail sale. The market aims to introduce visitors to seasonal products and palm-related industries, while supporting local producers.

A deeply rooted agricultural heritage in AlUla

Palm cultivation in AlUla dates back to the first millennium BCE, as evidenced by inscriptions on Jabal Ikmah, known as the 'open library.' Today, AlUla is home to more than 4.2 million palm trees spread over 16,484 hectares, producing around 130,000 tons of dates annually, making palm farming one of the governorate's most important agricultural activities.

AlUla produces a variety of date types, including Barni, Anbara, Safawi, Hamra, and Medjool, as well as other local varieties, benefiting from the unique desert oasis environment.

Inherited agricultural practices

The season revives traditional farming methods such as 'Jid Al-Nakheel,' the local term for harvesting ripe dates, where farmers use inherited techniques to gather the crop. These practices highlight the spirit of teamwork and the deep bond between people and palm trees in AlUla's oases.

The AlUla Dates Season aims to boost economic activity for local producers and spotlight the agricultural and cultural heritage that has shaped life in AlUla for generations.