Al-Rass Date Market Sales Surge to 204 Tonnes in 17 Days

The Al-Rass date market in Saudi Arabia’s Qassim region has recorded 204 tonnes of sales in 17 days since its season began on August 1, according to official data from the Saudi Press Agency. The market, monitored by the Center for Palm Trees and Dates (NCPD), is experiencing robust activity with high demand and a diverse array of date varieties, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for date production and trade.

Context and Background

The Al-Rass market, a central feature of the region’s agricultural economy, operates under the umbrella of the National Center for Palms and Dates (NCPD), which oversees seasonal markets across the Kingdom. The NCPD’s role is to regulate, promote, and facilitate the trade of dates, aligning with the broader objectives of the Kingdom’s agricultural transformation. As of August 17, the market’s platform shows that daily sales have averaged 12 tonnes, totaling approximately 204 tonnes. This reflects a vibrant trade environment that benefits not only local farmers and traders but also contributes to the national food security agenda.

Key Details and Achievements

The sales data reveal an average price of 45 Saudi riyals per kilogram, bringing the total value of the 17-day period to an estimated 9.18 million riyals. This performance underscores the market’s efficiency in connecting supply with demand, offering both small and large-scale producers a sustainable outlet for their crops. The diversity of date varieties available—including popular local types like Sukkari, Barhi, and Kholas—highlights the rich agricultural heritage of Saudi Arabia, which is known for its quality dates and innovative farming practices.

Implications for the Local Economy

The Al-Rass market’s robust activity serves as a microcosm of the Kingdom’s broader agricultural economic drive. It provides direct support to farmers, commercial entities, and consumers, facilitating a seamless marketplace experience that boosts rural economies. The NCPD’s platform for seasonal markets also offers digital services, demonstrating the integration of technology in the traditional sector—a key aspect of the Kingdom’s modernization and diversification efforts.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This successful season aligns seamlessly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP, promote rural development, and ensure food security. By optimizing the date market’s potential, the NCPD is actively supporting these goals, positioning the date industry as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s non-oil economy. The prosperity of the Al-Rass market not only symbolizes the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable agriculture but also reinforces its global reputation as a reliable supplier of premium dates, paving the way for increased international partnerships and investments.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Al-Rass date market?

A1. The Al-Rass date market is a seasonal market in Saudi Arabia’s Qassim region, specialized in selling dates. It began its season on August 1 and has witnessed high trading volumes, as per official Saudi sources.

Q2. How much sales did the market record in 17 days?

A2. The market recorded approximately 204 tonnes of sales in 17 days, averaging 12 tonnes per day, according to the National Center for Palm Trees and Dates (NCPD).

Q3. What is the average price of dates sold?

A3. The average price is about 45 Saudi riyals per kilogram, which generated a total revenue of approximately 9.18 million riyals.

Q4. Who oversees the market data?

A4. The data is monitored by the National Center for Palm Trees and Dates (NCPD) through its seasonal markets platform, which records all sales and trades.

Q5. When did the date season at Al-Rass begin?

A5. The season started on August 1, 2026, and the reported figures are as of August 17, 2026, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Q6. What varieties of dates are available?

A6. The market offers a diverse range of date varieties, including popular ones like Sukkari, Koulas, and other traditional Saudi types, catering to local and global tastes.

Q7. How does the NCPD support date markets?

A7. The NCPD manages seasonal market platforms, provides data analytics, and ensures regulatory quality, facilitating a thriving trade environment for farmers and consumers.

Q8. Why is the Al-Rass market important?

A8. It plays a crucial role in the regional economy, offering farmers a reliable outlet, supporting commerce, and contributing to the kingdom’s date export industry.

Q9. What is the significance of the average price?

A9. The price reflects the quality and premium nature of Saudi dates, indicating strong market positioning and fair returns for farmers.

Q10. How does this market relate to Vision 2030?

A10. The market supports Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy, boosting agricultural productivity, and enhancing rural development, all key pillars of the national agenda.

Q11. What is the role of the Saudi Press Agency?

A11. The Saudi Press Agency is the official news source that reported these data, ensuring transparency and accuracy of the information to the public.

Q12. Are there other seasonal markets in Saudi Arabia?

A12. Yes, the NCPD oversees multiple seasonal markets across the Kingdom, each focused on local products, but the Al-Rass market is a highlight for its high sales.

Q13. What types of stakeholders benefit from this market?

A13. Farmers, traders, consumers, and the local economy all benefit, as the market provides a cost-effective platform for sales and purchases.

Q14. How does the market impact local communities?

A14. It creates economic opportunities, supports livelihoods, and fosters a sense of communal activity during the harvesting season.

Q15. What are the long-term goals for Saudi date exports?

A15. Saudi Arabia aims to increase date exports worldwide, leveraging such market performance to build commercial partnerships and enhance the kingdom’s non-oil exports.

Q16. How does technology influence the market?

A16. The NCPD’s digital platform collects real-time data, enabling better decision-making for traders and farmers, and introduces transparency in transactions.

Q17. What challenges does the market face?

A17. Potential challenges include weather variability, ensuring cold chains, and market competition, but the NCPD implements best practices to mitigate risks.

Q18. How are consumers involved?

A18. Consumers enjoy a variety of fresh, high-quality dates at competitive prices, which boosts consumption and promotes a healthy diet.

Q19. Can international buyers access these markets?

A19. Yes, international buyers can contact the NCPD or local exporters to purchase Saudi dates, leveraging the kingdom’s established export channels.

Q20. What is the future of the Al-Rass market?

A20. The market is expected to continue its growth, with improved platforms and innovative practices under Vision 2030, positioning Al-Rass as a central date trade hub in the Gulf.

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