BURAIDAH: The bustling date markets in Qassim and surrounding provinces have experienced a surge in supply and demand, attracting citizens and residents as they seek out the finest varieties available. The buying frenzy has been evident across marketplaces and retail outlets.
The market has abundant quantities of diverse date varieties, given their essential role on iftar tables during Ramadan. Various commercial establishments are vying to offer a wide selection of dates, including popular varieties such as Sukkari, Kholas, Rotana, Barhi, Sagai, and more.
During a recent visit to the date markets by the Saudi Press Agency, several vendors confirmed the selling prices per kilogram of dates, with Sukkari dates fetching up to SR50 ($13.33), Kholas dates priced at SR40, and Sagai dates at SR30. A box of Sukkari Rutab dates was priced between SR25 and SR50.
Many shoppers talked about the heightened demand for Sukkari dates from Qassim, Rotana dates from Madinah and Kholas dates from Al-Ahsa. They highlighted the increase in date prices coinciding with the start of Ramadan, emphasizing the cultural significance of dates beyond their nutritional value.