Residents in the UAE can now taste the fresh date fruits as the recently awaited Fresh date season has arrived. They can buy almost 20 varieties of dates from Dh15 per kg from the ongoing Al Jubail Dates Festival at Sharjah today. This is one of the best seasons of the year to shop for dates, with a wide variety of the finest local UAE dates, in addition to top-quality imports from Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Affordable Fresh UAE Date Varieties
The brand newness and excellent quality of the local dates are still highly favored among shoppers, despite their higher cost. Current prices include:
- Naghal – Dh15/kg
- Barhi – Dh20/kg
- Khalas – Dh20/kg
- Khanizi – Dh25/kg
- Puchipal – Dh25/kg
- Sagai – Dh25–30/kg
Premium Imported Dates
- Oman Barhi – Dh25/kg
- Oman Khunaizi – Dh25/kg
- Saudi Medjool – Dh30/kg
- Saudi Ajwa – Dh35/kg
Many customers are looking for fresh Sukkari dates, but traders have said that the fresh product has not yet entered the market. At present, only preserved Sukkari dates are available.
Why Fresh Dates Are in High Demand
Fresh dates are only harvested for a couple of months during the year (usually 2 to 3), compared to dried dates which are harvested all year long. They are in high demand due to their short availability and are waited for by inhabitants every year for their harvest season.
Market vendors report that daily sales are already up a lot as customers seek to buy freshly picked dates with their best quality and taste. Fresh supplies from farms throughout the UAE, and neighbouring Saudi Arabia and Oman are still coming in throughout the whole season.
More varieties are soon to be available
This list will grow over the next few weeks as harvesting continues. A few other varieties to look out for this season are:
- Hilali
- Khashkar
- Mazini
- Jabri
- Baqal
- Sallani
- Bu Maan
- Khadrawi
- Lulu
- Shishi
- Ain Baqar
These glees will be a welcome addition for those looking for a taste and texture they’ve never had before.
Al Jubail Dates Festival Continues Until September
The 11th edition of the dates of Al Jubail festival is scheduled to run until 15th September, giving enough time to the visitors to discover the fresh harvest of the festival. In addition to fresh date fruits, this festival features traditional cultivation techniques, showcases date-based products and promotes regional agriculture to help local farmers and retailers. This is one of the UAE’s most coveted dates this festive season for people who want to enjoy the finest date harvest possible in the UAE.
