SAUDI ARABIA’S DATE EXPORTS REACH 1.5BN TONNES IN 2024

Tue 21 January 2025:

Saudi Arabia’s exports of dates to the global market have significantly increased due to growing demand, reaching 1.5 billion tonnes in 2024, according to the National Centre for Palms and Dates, as cited by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) yesterday.

This is a sharp increase from 2016’s exports, which recorded 579 million tonnes.

Saudi Arabia has over 123,000 agricultural holdings producing around 300 varieties of dates.

The centre noted that the kingdom is home to more than 37 million palm trees, producing over three million tonnes of dates annually.

It added that over 137 factories in the country specialise in date products and related industries.

Regionally, Al-Qassim has 11.2 million palm trees, Madinah 8.3 million, Riyadh 7.7 million and the Eastern Province 4.1 million.

In August, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture announced that the kingdom had achieved a self-sufficiency rate of 124 per cent for dates, with annual production exceeding 1.6 million tonnes.

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Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s leading producers of dates, cultivating over 300 varieties, including Ajwa, Sukkari, and Khudri. The country’s arid climate, characterized by high temperatures and low humidity, is ideal for date palm growth.

With approximately 33 million palm trees spread across regions like Al-Qassim, Al-Ahsa, and Medina, Saudi Arabia produces over 1.5 million tons of dates annually, making it the second-largest global producer.

The government has heavily invested in modern farming techniques and research to boost production and improve quality. Programs like the Saudi Vision 2030 aim to enhance date exports, making them a significant contributor to the economy.

Saudi dates are exported to more than 100 countries, prized for their rich taste, nutritional value, and cultural significance. Locally, dates hold religious importance, especially during Ramadan, and are a staple in traditional dishes.

In summary, Saudi Arabia blends tradition, innovation, and sustainability to maintain its status as a global hub for premium date production.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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