Madinah Ranks Third in Saudi Arabia's Date Output, Touted as Investment Hub

MADINAH (Saudi Arabia), May 29 (Bernama-SPA) -- The Madinah Region is ranked as the third-largest date-producing region in Saudi Arabia, with an annual output of approximately 344,000 tonnes from more than eight million palm trees, known for producing some of the finest dates.

According to a report by the Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Chamber of Commerce, Qassim Region led national date production by the end of 2023, accounting for 30 per cent (578,100 tonnes) of the total output, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

It was followed by Riyadh region with 24 per cent (453,100 tonnes), Madinah with 18 per cent (343,100 tonnes) and the Eastern region with 14 per cent (258,700 tonnes).

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The report highlighted Madinah’s competitive advantages in date palm cultivation, offering opportunities for innovative projects in farming and production. It also encouraged the development of modern farms equipped with advanced irrigation technologies.

It noted the rising demand for organic date production, driven by consumer preferences for healthy and natural products, along with the growing role of research and development in improving varieties and enhancing crop quality.

The report further pointed to investment prospects in the manufacturing of date-based products, such as date paste as a natural sugar alternative, date syrup for local and international markets, and a range of goods including pastries, sweets, beverages and energy supplements marketed as health products.

Significant export potential was also highlighted, particularly through the creation of specialised companies focused on packaging dates to meet international standards and attract global buyers.

There is also room to expand into new export markets across Europe, Asia and North America.

In addition, the report identified the potential for launching projects that collect date seeds from consumers for use in animal feed and the production of eco-friendly items, such as industrial wood made from palm by-products.

-- BERNAMA-SPA