Saudi date sector highlighted at international workshop in Tunisia

An international workshop held in Tunisia showcased Saudi Arabia's success in developing its date palm and dates sector. Dr. Iman Al-Furaidi, Director General of Strategy and Business Development at the International Dates Council, presented on progress made in production, marketing, and exports. The Saudi approach has evolved from a focus on production to building an integrated value chain encompassing agriculture, production, sorting, grading, manufacturing, packaging, trade, distribution, branding, and global consumer reach.

According to the National Center for Palms and Dates, Saudi Arabia produced more than 1.9 million tons of dates in 2025. The sector boasts over 37 million palm trees, with exports valued at around 1.938 billion riyals (SAR), a 14.3% increase from 2024 and a 59.5% rise from 2021. Saudi dates now reach over 125 countries globally.

Al-Furaidi stressed the importance of international marketing and promotion to enhance brand identity, expand distribution channels, utilize e-commerce, and form partnerships with global institutions and companies. She also highlighted the need to improve product quality, explore value-added industries, innovate packaging and grading, and adapt to changing consumer preferences and market demands.

The workshop examined trends in the global date market and opportunities for producing nations to maximize sector value amid rising demand for high-quality food products, the growth of e-commerce, and the emergence of new consumer markets, particularly in Asia. Challenges discussed included market positioning, consumer outreach, marketing unification, and increasing product value.