Its a date… festival.
There are few foods that are as beloved in the Kingdom as the vertible date is. It’s nuts!
Saudi takes its date game seriously and celebrates the dried fruit whenever it can.
So, the fact that the Otaiqah Dates Season is back in the capital city is not a surprise.
Returning for the fourth time, the season is a celebration of all-things dates and will feature over 60 traders and farmers showcasing their products.
The festival is a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the National Center for Palms and Dates, with the support of Riyadh Municipality as the enabling partner.
So, prepare to explore the sprawling grounds of the festival. Here is everything to know about the season.
Otaiqah Dates Season
Get ready to go dates crazy! The fourth edition of Otaiqah Dates Season is officially in full swing, shining a spotlight on Saudi Arabia’s global status as a date powerhouse. With exports reaching over 113 countries and making up about 12% of the agri-GDP, Saudi dates aren’t just tasty, they’re serious business.
Running for four months to match the harvesting season, this is the Kingdom’s longest seasonal date market. It brings together farmers, traders, and foodies from across the country, with support from the Culinary Arts Commission and the Saudi Tourism Authority’s “Visit Saudi” platform. Think of it as a sweet celebration of culture, commerce, and collaboration, one delicious date at a time.
Otaiqah Dates Season 2025 location
This year the celebrations are being held at the Agricultural Seasons Hall in Riyadh’s Otaiqah Central Market. Spread across an area exceeding 10,000sqm, including an air-conditioned hall of 2,500sqm.
Otaiqah Dates Season 2025 dates
Worried you only have a few days to partake in the festivities? Worry not, because the festival will be held for a whopping four months starting from August. What’s more, it will coincide with the date harvesting season.
Otaiqah Dates Season 2025 tickets
No information about the tickets has been released. If the past editions are anything to go by, then the season will not require tickets.
Otaiqah Dates Season 2025 what to expect
It’s not just about the dates, Otaiqah Dates Season is bringing full-on family fun. Kids can dive into hands-on activities like palm planting, coloring, mini cooking sessions, and even interactive heritage plays that blend learning with play. It’s an educational adventure wrapped in a whole lot of fun.
Add in lively shows, bustling food trucks dishing out classic Saudi flavors, and local families showcasing their handmade goods, and you’ve got a festival buzzing with community spirit. Whether you’re there to snack, shop, or let the little ones explore, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
More events in Saudi
If you are looking for some action, the Esports World Cup Boulevard City is in full-swing. Another cool event to look forward to is the Riyadh Comedy Festival which has announced 28 superstars so far.
From Aug. Agricultural Seasons Hall, Otaiqah Central Market, otaiqahseason.riyadh.dev.
