Al-Jouf Dates Festival Celebrates 40,000 Tons of Annual Production

The 12th Al-Jouf Dates Festival is currently underway in Dumat Al-Jandal, highlighting a sector that produces over 40,000 tons of dates annually from more than one million palms. As a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s food security, Al-Jouf’s date industry competes alongside olives and fruits as a primary agricultural export.

 The festival features 30 farmers, 15 government and private entities, and 40 pavilions for families working in cottage industries, showcasing raw dates, processed products, sweets, and cakes. Central to the region's identity is the Helwat Al-Jouf variety, prized for its sweetness, large size, and nutritional value.

 Beyond commerce, the harvest embodies Saudi hospitality, with farmers traditionally sharing fresh dates in public spaces to foster social connection. Organized by Al-Jouf Municipality, the event continues to bolster the region’s economy and its growing status as a cultural tourism destination.