RIYADH — Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading exporter of dates, has seen a significant surge in its exports in recent years. In 2022, the Kingdom’s exports of dates and their derivatives increased by 5.4 percent annually, exceeding 321 thousand tons and reaching a value of US$ 340 million (SAR 1.28 billion).
The Kingdom’s annual production of dates surpasses 1.6 million tons, with exports increasing by 121 percent from 2016 until 2022. The first quarter of 2023 saw a further increase in exports, with a value exceeding US$ 150.9 million (SAR 566 million), marking a 2.5 percent annual increase.
Saudi Arabia’s date exports reach 111 countries worldwide, with the Kingdom producing over 300 varieties of dates. According to the National Center for Palms and Dates, six countries – China, Austria, Belgium, Turkey, Russia, and Canada – topped the list of Saudi date imports in terms of growth in export value.
The Kingdom’s date industry has seen significant growth and development in recent years, with the use of the latest technologies and adherence to the highest quality standards contributing to an increase in product exports. In 2021, Saudi Arabia secured the top spot in global date exports.
The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has established a specialized center for date palm development, aiming to enhance the date palm sector and create an integrated service system for productive efficiency. The ministry’s efforts focus on marketing dates in cooperation with private entities, improving date quality to meet global market requirements, and establishing a comprehensive database for palm trees and dates.
Over the past five years, Saudi exports of dates and their derivatives have seen a 70 percent increase, reaching US$ 340 million in 2022. Among the finest date types cultivated in Saudi Arabia are Ajwa, Safawi, Khadrawy, Sukkari, Anbara, Mabroom, and Sagai.
Sweet Treasures of Saudi Arabia Dates, a staple fruit of the Middle East, are renowned for their nutritional value and diverse range of flavors. Here, we delve into the top 10 varieties of dates cultivated in Saudi Arabia, each with its unique characteristics. Ajwa Dates: Known as the luxury dates, Ajwa dates are recognized by their wrinkled texture and dark brown to black color. Their sugary taste is a delight to the palate. Ajwa dates, which are exclusive to Medina, Saudi Arabia, come in two varieties: dry and soft. Khudri Dates: Famous for their delicious sugary taste and affordability, Khudri dates are a popular choice. They have a wrinkled, dry texture and a dark brown color. Packed with nutrients and minerals, they provide a quick energy boost. Kholas Dates: Kholas dates undergo three stages of ripening, each stage lending a unique characteristic to the fruit. Known for their sugary taste and shiny golden color, Kholas dates are often paired with aromatic Arabic coffee. Medjool Dates: Medjool dates stand out with their large size and unforgettable sugary taste. Rich in iron, zinc, and other minerals, they are often used in healthy recipes and are particularly beneficial for anemic patients. Sukkari Dates: Aptly named Sukkari, meaning sugary, these dates are known for their sweet taste and fragile texture. They are beneficial in reducing cholesterol levels and providing energy. Zahidi Dates: Zahidi dates, with their shiny golden color and thick skin, have a taste reminiscent of walnuts. High in fiber, they are an ideal choice for those on a diet. Mabroom Dates: Mabroom dates are known for their long, slender shape, dark brown color, smooth texture, and moderately sweet taste. They are a rich source of minerals and antioxidants. Safawi Dates: Grown in Medina, Saudi Arabia, Safawi dates are characterized by their dark black color, cylindrical shape, and medium size. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and are known to help eliminate stomach microbes. Anbara Dates: Anbara dates are large in size with a small kernel and are a rich source of proteins. Due to their nutritional value, they are considered one of the most expensive types of dates. Barhi Dates: Barhi dates, with their bright yellow color, crunchy texture, and caramel-like sweetness, are a treat to the senses. Sold on thin branches, these seasonal dates can be stored for several months in the freezer.
In a recent development, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia established Al Madinah Heritage Company (MHC) to promote the expansion and improvement of the date sector. The company aims to increase the production and quality of Ajwa dates, a variety native to the Madinah region, and enhance their promotion and distribution domestically and abroad.
The PIF’s establishment of MHC is part of its commitment to fostering the Kingdom’s food and agriculture sector and propelling economic diversification in line with the Saudi Vision 2030. Majed Al-Assaf, head of consumer goods and retail in the Middle East and North Africa investments division of PIF, highlighted the importance of the dates industry in realizing Vision 2030.
MHC aims to adopt and utilize the latest top-notch technologies to contribute to the broader development of sustainable agriculture in Madinah. Ajwa dates, known for their high nutritional value and health benefits, hold significant religious and cultural value for Muslims worldwide, particularly for visitors of Madinah.
The PIF has strategically invested in Saudi Arabia’s food and agriculture sectors in recent years to help diversify and further support the local economy. In October 2022, the fund announced the launch of Halal Products Development Co. aimed at localizing the halal production industry in the Kingdom. The fund’s other investments involved in Kingdom’s food and agriculture sector are the Saudi Coffee Co. and the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Co.
In a demonstration of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian role, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) recently delivered 25 tons of dates as a gift to the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. This gesture underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting brotherly and friendly countries in various fields.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its date industry, the Kingdom is poised to retain its position as the world’s leading date exporter, contributing to the growth and diversification of its economy.