Otaiqah Dates Season to Launch in August

The fourth annual Otaiqah Dates Season will launch in early August,
featuring a variety of programs and activities at the Agricultural
Seasons Hall in Otaiqah Central Market in Riyadh.
The season will
welcome visitors and date enthusiasts from across Saudi Arabia and the
Gulf states over four months, coinciding with the various date
harvesting seasons in the country.
The season represents an
attractive tourist destination for visitors and shoppers from all
segments of society, as well as an opportunity for interested parties
and investors to learn about the economics of dates in the Kingdom. The
sector's products reach more than 113 countries and support the national
economy, contributing approximately 12% to agricultural gross domestic
product (GDP).
The Otaiqah Dates Season is the largest date market
in Riyadh and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It effectively highlights the
tourism and economic value of the season hosted by the capital, Riyadh.
Its impact extends to supporting GDP and manufacturing industries,
diversifying the Saudi economy, and increasing its vitality.
It is
an integrated platform for showcasing the Kingdom's date varieties,
bringing together merchants and farmers, and meeting the needs of
customers and consumers.
With the season's management keen to enrich
the visitor experience, this year's season activities span a total area
of 10,000 square meters, including a 2,500-square-meter air-conditioned
indoor hall.
As part of its efforts to empower merchants, farmers,
and businesses, the season has designated 65 retail stalls for their
use. In addition, the Otaiqah Haraj, one of the Kingdom's largest
traditional date auctions, features 16 lanes and attracts merchants from
across the region. An online store will also be available for those
wishing to make a purchase, allowing them to reach a broader segment of
customers and interested parties with convenient delivery services.

The season offers several entertainment activities and hot, fresh food
served by a group of productive families and food trucks.
The
Otaiqah Dates Season is an initiative of the Riyadh Development Company.
The season's importance lies in the concerted efforts and support of
relevant stakeholders, the efforts made to improve and develop the
market in general, and the success of the season and its accompanying
events.