Nearly 100 farms across Qatar are set to participate in the 11th Local Date Festival, which will open on July 25 under the patronage of the Ministry of Municipality and Souq Waqif Management. The event aims to highlight the country’s expanding agricultural sector and the ongoing support provided to local farmers.
Farmers have completed their preparations to present some of Qatar’s finest date varieties, including Barhi, Khunaizi, Shishi, and Khalas. Many expressed optimism that this year’s harvest will rank among the best in recent years in terms of both quality and quantity, crediting advancements in cultivation techniques and improved care of palm trees for the strong season.
Organizers and participants describe the festival as a key event that combines agricultural tradition with heritage preservation. It is viewed as an important marketing platform that fosters direct interaction between producers and consumers, while also contributing to the reinforcement of national food security.
In addition to the festival itself, the Ministry of Municipality has launched dedicated sales outlets for Qatari-grown dates at major shopping centers including Villaggio, Landmark, and Doha Festival City, beginning July 30. Farmers have welcomed this initiative, noting that it will enhance marketing channels and improve consumer access to locally produced dates.
Among the participants, Al-Taher Farm plans to showcase traditional varieties such as Khunaizi, Khalas, Shishi, and Barhi alongside the internationally known Medjool date, a variety that has seen increasing popularity. The farm will also feature a heritage-themed basket emphasizing sustainability and Qatar’s agricultural legacy. Some of the date varieties demonstrated are noted for their suitability for long-term storage, which adds commercial value.
Al-Barari Farm anticipates that its harvest this year will exceed the quality of last season’s yield, attributing this to ongoing improvements in palm cultivation and extensive farming expertise. The farm’s desalination plant has provided reliable irrigation despite significant operating costs, and higher summer temperatures have not negatively impacted crop quality. Besides fresh dates, Al-Barari produces date syrup and aims to expand its product offerings.
Meanwhile, Asat Al-Ra’i Farm will present rare date palm offshoots sourced from Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Cultivating approximately 50 palm varieties, the farm regards the festival as an ideal venue to display these premium offshoots, which are increasingly sought after by collectors and growers alike.
The upcoming event reflects Qatar’s efforts to bolster the local agricultural sector, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance food security through the promotion of its date palm industry.