AlUla Dates Season Celebrates Heritage And Supports Economic Diversification Efforts

The AlUla Dates Season has entered its second phase, focusing on the farmers' market, which will run until November 15. This event is part of the Royal Commission for AlUla's initiatives to boost agricultural growth and improve economic returns from this sector. The annual event highlights "Khayrat AlUla," a significant agricultural resource in the region.

AlUla plays a crucial role in enhancing food security and diversifying the local economy, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The region boasts over 4.1 million palm trees across more than 15,000 hectares, producing nearly 170,000 tons of dates each year. This solidifies its status as one of Saudi Arabia's key agricultural hubs.

The first phase of this year's season included a weekend date auction that concluded successfully. During the 2023 season, sales from the auction surpassed SAR12.8 million, with an additional SAR400,000 generated by the accompanying market. These events attracted over 15,000 visitors.

In 2024, sales volumes reached around 1.7 million kilograms, generating revenues exceeding SAR8.8 million. Projections suggest an increase in sales for the 2025 season, with final figures to be announced at the end of current activities.

Recent years have seen significant growth in AlUla’s agricultural sector. Over 2,500 individuals received training, including 95 farmers and 250 students. Additionally, 250 farms were accredited under the Saudi Dates Program.

Enhancing Market Access

Efforts to treat over 120,000 palm trees through fertilization and pest control have been undertaken to improve yield quality. Local markets like AlManshiyah have been established to connect consumers directly with farmers, promoting both regional and international marketing of products.

This initiative reflects farmers' dedication and historical connection to palm cultivation in AlUla. It underscores the area's growing importance in supporting food security and economic diversification within Saudi Arabia.

With inputs from SPA