Buraidah, Saudi Arabia — The Buraidah Date Carnival witnessed growing economic and tourism activity, making it a key destination for thousands of visitors from across the Kingdom, the Gulf, and the world.
The event combined morning date auctions with a variety of cultural and entertainment activities held in the evening at the King Khalid Cultural Center.
In the early morning hours, farmers, traders, and shoppers gathered at the marketplace to showcase the finest varieties of dates and hold daily auctions, regarded as the world’s largest seasonal economic gathering for dates. This underscored Buraidah’s status as the global capital of dates and a pivotal hub for their trade.
In the evening, the King Khalid Cultural Center and its surroundings transformed into a comprehensive cultural and tourism destination, offering visitors a rich experience through diverse activities.
These included booths for families working in cottage industry, platforms showcasing premium and rare date varieties, awareness and health corners, children’s theater performances, and Saudi folklore represented by the traditional Ardah.
The venue also featured outdoor seating areas, entertainment zones, cafés, and food trucks, making the carnival a gathering place for families and a destination for those seeking diverse tourism experiences.
The carnival offered visitors the chance to explore Buraidah’s historical and cultural landmarks through tourist bus tours starting from the King Khalid Cultural Center toward the date market.
This included an introductory tour of Buraidah’s landmarks, highlighting local heritage and reinforcing the city’s place in the legacy of the palm and date.
