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JEDDAH: Dates hold a special place in Saudi Arabian culture, especially during Ramadan. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with cream, ghee, or coffee, they symbolize hospitality and tradition.

For many, breaking the fast with dates is a sacred ritual. Following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, dates are the first food eaten after a day of fasting. Their natural sweetness and rich nutrients make them perfect for replenishing energy.

Different regions in Saudi Arabia have their favorite types of dates. In the Central Region, sukkari, medjool, and wanana are popular. The Western Region prefers khodari, safri, and barni dates. Meanwhile, Al-Ahsa in the Eastern Region is known for its khalas and burji varieties. In the South, people enjoy sukkari, khalas, safri, and barni, while the North favors barni, barhi, and hilwah dates.

Ajwa dates are loved throughout the country due to their mention in the Sunnah.

According to Abdulhady Al-Suqair, a date farmer from AlUla, each region’s preference stems from agricultural factors and tradition. Some people specifically seek out dates for making syrup, while others prefer moist varieties for cooking and baking.

Abeer Al-Ghamdi from Jeddah shares her family tradition of date shopping each Ramadan, favoring barni dates for their perfect texture. Nora Al-Rashid from Riyadh enjoys sukkari dates for their melt-in-your-mouth sweetness, often pairing them with tahini and coffee.

As Ramadan nears, the demand for dates rises, which can lead to higher prices. Farmers in Saudi Arabia have improved their techniques over the years, focusing on quality and carefully nurturing their palm trees. They ensure optimal irrigation and use organic fertilizers to produce the best dates possible.

Farmers now also invest in cold storage to keep dates fresh. They can be eaten fresh or incorporated into various meals, desserts, and drinks. During Ramadan, dates are a key ingredient in traditional dishes, often paired with ghee, butter, or millet. They are also used to make date cakes and pastries.

Though dates are particularly associated with Ramadan, they are enjoyed year-round in Saudi homes. They are commonly served with coffee as a sign of hospitality. An old Arabic saying highlights their dual role: “Dates are the food of the poor and the dessert of the rich.”

Gifting dates is a cherished tradition during Ramadan. People often share the finest dates from their areas with friends and neighbors.

Saudi Arabia hosts several date festivals, like those in Buraidah, Unaizah, and AlUla, celebrating the fruit’s cultural importance. The AlUla Date Festival has revived the ancient method of shannah, a way to preserve dates from harvest until Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia prides itself on being a leader in date production, thanks to its diverse agricultural landscape. The Kingdom has over 33 million palm trees and 123,000 farms, making up 27% of the world’s date production. Through initiatives like the National Center for Palms and Dates, the country is focused on enhancing the value of its dates globally.

The date industry is projected to grow significantly, from $120 million in 2023 to $220 million by 2032. Additionally, during Ramadan, around 700 tons of dates will be distributed to 102 countries as part of a gifting program.