The 11th Local Dates Festival opened on July 25 at Souq Waqif’s Eastern Square in Doha, bringing together 125 local farms to showcase Qatar’s agricultural growth and heritage. The event, which will run through August 10, marks a significant expansion from its inaugural edition in 2016, when only 19 farms participated.
Organised by the Ministry of Municipality in collaboration with Souq Waqif management, the festival aims to provide a platform for local farmers to market their produce directly to consumers, promoting Qatar’s agricultural products and strengthening food security. Mohammed Abdullah al-Salem, director of Souq Waqif and general supervisor of the festival, highlighted the steady increase in participating farms as evidence of the event’s growing importance for both producers and the wider community.
Al-Salem emphasized that the festival encourages healthy competition among farmers and enhances the visibility of Qatari agriculture. Visitors can explore a diverse array of locally grown dates, including popular varieties such as Ikhlas, Khunaizi, Shishi, and Barhi, alongside seasonal fruits like figs, papaya, lime, and almonds. The selection of Souq Waqif’s Eastern Square as the venue was chosen for its central location, heritage significance, and capacity to provide a welcoming environment for both exhibitors and visitors.
Ahmed Salem al-Yafei, head of the Agricultural Advisory and Services Section at the Ministry of Municipality, noted that fresh dates hold cultural significance in Qatar, symbolizing hospitality and tradition. He stressed that the festival celebrates a longstanding Qatari custom, with fresh dates commonly served in gatherings nationwide.
The festival also attracts families seeking educational and interactive experiences, supporting the local economy while preserving cultural heritage. Attendees like Umm Sara, a returning visitor, praised the event for its role in backing local producers and offering an opportunity to engage with Qatari agricultural traditions.
As Qatar’s agricultural sector continues to develop, the Local Dates Festival remains a key event that fosters community engagement, promotes heritage products, and enhances market opportunities for local farmers.