About Madinah Dates Festival

Madinah is renowned for producing some of the world's finest dates, particularly the prized Ajwa variety mentioned in prophetic traditions. The annual Dates Festival celebrates this heritage during the peak harvest season of July, bringing together over 500 date farmers from across the region.

What to Expect

Sample over 100 varieties of dates from Saudi Arabia and the region. Watch traditional date harvesting demonstrations. Learn about the 7,000-year history of date cultivation in the Arabian Peninsula. Purchase premium Ajwa, Medjool, Sukkari, and Khudri dates directly from farmers at wholesale prices.

Schedule Highlights

• Festival Opening & Date Auction — July 1
• Date Tasting Competitions — Weekends
• Date Cooking Workshops — Tuesdays & Thursdays
• Heritage Palm Farm Tours — Daily
• Best Dates Awards — July 31

Tips

July in Madinah is very hot (40°C+). Visit early morning or evening. The Ajwa dates are the most sought-after — buy early before the best stock sells out. The festival is near the Prophet's Mosque, so combine spiritual visits with the festival.