Saudi Arabia is the second largest producer of dates in the world, growing around 300 varieties. But one of them is increasingly attracting more attention.

Madinah

Saudi Arabia has solidified its position as the world's second-largest producer of dates, cultivating approximately 300 different varieties. Among these, a specific type of date is gaining increased attention, especially during the period of Ramadan.



Saudi dates: Ajwa sales booming during Ramadan

Saeed Al-Harbi greets his visitors in a special way tossing petals is regarded as an ultimate act of generosity he runs a farm that produces the most popular variety of date in Saudi Arabia and his staff waste no time explaining to customers the virtues of the sweet fruit the aljoa has huge medicinal qualities, it protects against many diseases and is rich in nutrients dates are a key part of people's diet during Ramadan rich in natural sugars they raise blood sugar levels almost immediately after a long day of fasting and help rebalance the body's system of all the varieties of date produced here in Saudi Arabia this particular one stands out Muslims believe it's the same type the Prophet Muhammad used to break his fast and they want to follow tradition it is widely considered to be the best gift for loved ones back home and that's why it's rapidly becoming the most expensive date in the world now more people show up at Saeed's farm asking for his produce that comes in a wide range of colors, sweetness and texture dates are a staple food in the Middle East, we serve them all the time in our daily get-togethers also known as diwanias, we serve dates with coffee it's a cultural symbol of generosity this is where Saeed spends most of his time looking after the health of his palm trees it may take decades after planting a tree to produce dates but Saeed doesn't seem to be deterred at all I am beyond happy, my guests are people visiting Medina tourists, worshippers, they appreciate what we do here in this farm for many dates seem too sweet to be healthy but Saeed hopes his farm will change perceptions so that dates are no longer associated only with Muslim celebrations but may become a globally popular dish Hashim Harbara Al Jazeera, Medina

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Madrid

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Riyadh

Israel-Gaza War

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Turin

Climate Crisis

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Beirut

French FM says ‘a lot of progress’ in Lebanon talks

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Sulphur

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Pescara

Italian far-right PM Meloni says will stand in EU elections

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

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Donetsk

Ukraine Invasion

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Lviv

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Sderot

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Windsor

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Council of the City of Sydney

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Baku

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London

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Paris

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Nairobi

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U.S. Presidential Election

The Australian journalist caught up in Trump trial

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Marsden Park

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