Saudi Arabia entered the seasonal period known as “Al-Kulaibain” on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, marking the start of a 13-day phase that falls within the hottest part of summer and coincides with the ripening of dates across the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The season, rooted in traditional agricultural calendars and folk heritage, continues until August 23 and precedes the arrival of the well-known “Suhail” season.
Context and Background
Al-Kulaibain is one of the recognized seasonal markers in the traditional Saudi reckoning of weather and agriculture. It is associated with the lunar mansion known as “Al-Nathrah” and is linked in folk memory to two closely appearing stars. Historically, farmers used these celestial signs to track the passage of the year, monitor weather patterns, and anticipate the ripening of fruits and crops. As researcher in agricultural calendars Mohammed Al-Wadaei explained, Al-Kulaibain represents a well-known station in the agricultural seasonal system, lasting 13 days and occurring during the intense heat of summer, simultaneously with the maturation of various crops and fruits.
Key Details
This period aligns with an advanced stage of date ripening, known locally as “Rutab,” when palm trees in several regions of the Kingdom undergo color change, maturation, and harvesting. The exact timing varies depending on date varieties, locations, and climatic conditions. In the Asir region, agricultural activities diversify during this time due to differences in elevation, terrain, and climate. Farmers continue to care for local crops such as sorghum, wheat, barley, and corn, alongside seasonal fruits and vegetables. Al-Wadaei emphasized that these seasons are deeply connected to the agricultural calendar and inherited folk heritage, highlighting their continued relevance in the collective memory.
Implications and Impact
The Al-Kulaibain season carries climatic and agricultural significance in local memory. In the past, farmers relied on stars and lunar mansions as time markers to organize their work, follow crop growth stages, and predict weather changes. While modern astronomy and meteorological tools have become the scientific reference for weather monitoring and forecasting, the names of these traditional seasons remain part of the cultural and environmental heritage that reflects generations of experience in reading the year’s cycles. The transition from Al-Kulaibain to Suhail historically signaled shifts in weather, fruit ripening, and the agricultural work cycle, and this seasonal rhythm continues to inform rural practices and cultural identity.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The preservation and celebration of traditional agricultural seasons like Al-Kulaibain align closely with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals of safeguarding cultural heritage and promoting sustainable agriculture. By integrating this intangible heritage into modern agricultural planning and tourism initiatives, the Kingdom reinforces its commitment to both its roots and its future. As Saudi Arabia advances its agricultural technologies and climate resilience under Vision 2030, the wisdom embedded in these age-old seasons serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between the land, its people, and the nation’s ambitious journey toward prosperity.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the Al-Kulaibain season?
A1. Al-Kulaibain is a 13-day seasonal period in the traditional Saudi agricultural calendar, occurring in the hottest part of summer and associated with the ripening of dates and other crops.
Q2. When did Al-Kulaibain start in 2026?
A2. It began on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and will continue until August 23.
Q3. What is the significance of Al-Kulaibain in Saudi heritage?
A3. It is a traditional marker used by farmers to track seasons, weather changes, and crop cycles, reflecting generations of agricultural wisdom.
Q4. Which lunar mansion is associated with Al-Kulaibain?
A4. It is linked to the lunar mansion known as Al-Nathrah.
Q5. What season follows Al-Kulaibain?
A5. The Suhail season follows Al-Kulaibain, marking another seasonal transition.
Q6. How long does Al-Kulaibain last?
A6. It lasts exactly 13 days.
Q7. What crops are affected during Al-Kulaibain?
A7. Dates, sorghum, wheat, barley, corn, and various seasonal fruits and vegetables are among the crops tended during this period.
Q8. Why is Al-Kulaibain important for date farmers?
A8. It coincides with the ripening and harvesting of dates, particularly the Rutab stage, when palms change color and fruits mature.
Q9. How does Al-Kulaibain vary across Saudi regions?
A9. The timing and agricultural activities differ based on elevation, terrain, climate, and date varieties.
Q10. What role did stars play in Al-Kulaibain?
A10. Farmers historically used stars and lunar mansions as time markers to organize planting, harvesting, and monitor weather.
Q11. Is Al-Kulaibain still relevant today?
A11. Yes, it remains part of Saudi cultural heritage and is still recognized in agricultural and folk traditions.
Q12. How does modern technology interact with traditional seasons?
A12. Modern meteorology and astronomy provide scientific forecasts, while traditional seasons like Al-Kulaibain persist as cultural references.
Q13. What did researcher Mohammed Al-Wadaei say about Al-Kulaibain?
A13. He noted it is a well-known agricultural station lasting 13 days, occurring during intense summer heat and coinciding with crop maturation.
Q14. Which regions in Saudi Arabia are actively engaged in agriculture during Al-Kulaibain?
A14. The Asir region is notably active, with diverse crops due to its varied topography and climate.
Q15. How does Al-Kulaibain connect to Saudi Vision 2030?
A15. It supports cultural heritage preservation and sustainable agriculture, aligning with Vision 2030’s goals.
Q16. What is the Rutab stage in date cultivation?
A16. Rutab is the stage when dates ripen and become soft and edible, often occurring during Al-Kulaibain.
Q17. Are there any modern observances of Al-Kulaibain?
A17. Yes, it is remembered in folk culture and sometimes highlighted in agricultural and heritage events.
Q18. How does Al-Kulaibain affect daily life in rural Saudi Arabia?
A18. It guides farming activities, particularly date harvesting and crop care, and influences community routines.
Q19. What is the historical origin of the name Al-Kulaibain?
A19. The name refers to two close stars in folk astronomy, linked to the lunar mansion Al-Nathrah.
Q20. What can visitors learn from Al-Kulaibain?
A20. Visitors can explore Saudi Arabia’s rich agricultural heritage and the traditional knowledge of reading seasonal cycles.
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