AlUla's Dates Season Begins: A Vital Economic And Agricultural Event

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has finalised preparations for this year's dates season in AlUla, starting tomorrow and continuing until November 9. This event is organised in collaboration with various government and private entities. The season is a vital economic contributor to the governorate, offering farmers a platform to showcase their date products to local and international buyers and investors.

Last year's dates season saw significant participation, with 600 farmers involved and sales reaching SAR13 million. Additionally, 113,000 tons of dates were harvested from over 3 million date palm trees spread across 10,000 hectares in the region. This highlights the substantial economic impact of the dates season on AlUla's agricultural sector.

The dates season will kick off with a date auction held every Friday and Saturday for nine weeks. Following this, the weekly market will open at the farmers market headquarters during October and November. This structured approach ensures continuous engagement and opportunities for both sellers and buyers throughout the season.

This year introduces interactive sessions featuring elite chefs who will highlight AlUla's rich heritage. These sessions aim to explore innovative ways to use dates in various products and dishes, adding a new dimension to the traditional market activities. Such initiatives are expected to attract more visitors and enhance the overall experience of the dates season.

AlUla produces a variety of dates, including unique types like Medjoul and Ambara. These high-quality dates are among the many products that farmers will present during the season. The diversity of date types available underscores AlUla's significance as a key player in Saudi Arabia's agricultural landscape.

Support for Farmers

RCU remains committed to supporting farmers through various programs, workshops, and training courses aimed at promoting sustainable practices and boosting productivity. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to achieve economic development via the agricultural sector, ensuring long-term benefits for local farmers.

The dates season is part of a broader calendar of agricultural activities in 2024, which began with the summer fruit season in July and will conclude with the citrus season next January. This comprehensive schedule reflects RCU's dedication to fostering continuous agricultural growth throughout the year.

The inclusion of interactive sessions with chefs not only showcases AlUla's cultural heritage but also promotes innovative culinary uses for dates. This initiative aims to attract food enthusiasts and culinary experts, further boosting interest in AlUla's date products.

Overall, RCU's initiatives during this year's dates season are designed to support economic growth while preserving cultural heritage. By providing platforms for farmers to connect with buyers and investors, RCU helps ensure that AlUla remains a vital hub for date production in Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from SPA