Home to Over 11 Million Palm Trees, Qassim Hosts World’s Largest Dates Carnival

Riyadh: Qassim Region continues to strengthen its position as Saudi Arabia's capital of dates, supported by millions of palm trees that produce a wide variety of premium dates, most notably the region's signature Sukkari variety, one of Saudi Arabia's leading agricultural products and among the most sought-after dates in local and international markets. According to Saudi Press Agency, the region's status is reflected each year through the organization of the world's largest dates carnival, which brings together farmers, traders, and investors under one roof. The event serves as an economic and marketing platform that boosts commercial activity, increases the added value of Saudi dates, and creates new opportunities for investment and exports in the palm and dates sector. The carnival attracts broad participation from producers while applying the latest grading, packaging, and marketing practices to ensure product quality and transparent sales processes, further enhancing the competitiveness of Saudi dates in regional and international markets. Qassim's palm tree wealth produces a diverse range of date varieties alongside Sukkari, including Barhi, Khalas, Sagai, and Nabut Saif. Renowned for their high quality and nutritional value, these dates have seen growing demand at home and abroad, supporting the expansion of Saudi date exports to dozens of international markets. Buraidah International Dates Carnival CEO Dr. Khaled Al-Nuqidan said Qassim is home to more than 11 million palm trees producing some of the finest date varieties, led by Sukkari. He added that the carnival has cemented its status as the world's largest dates festival and is listed in Guinness World Records, reflecting the region's leadership in the palm and dates sector and the global standing achieved by Saudi dates. Al-Nuqidan noted that the carnival attracts thousands of farmers, traders, and investors each year, providing an integrated economic and marketing platform that strengthens commercial activity, increases the added value of Saudi dates, and expands investment and export opportunities. He emphasized that Saudi dates now reach dozens of international markets thanks to their high quality and the adoption of the latest grading, packaging, and marketing practices, enhancing their global competitiveness while supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.