Saudi Arabia’s Date Production Hits 1.9 Million Tons in 2024, Achieves 119% Self-Sufficiency
Saudi Arabia’s domestic date production reached 1.9 million tons in 2024, solidifying its position as one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of this strategic commodity, the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture announced.
The Kingdom achieved 119% self-sufficiency in date production, with exports and re-exports totaling approximately 351,000 tons, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Meanwhile, imports remained minimal at just 952 tons, underscoring the high quality and global competitiveness of Saudi dates.
The announcement coincides with the ministry’s launch of the “Sofratna Min Ardina” (Our Table from Our Land) campaign for Ramadan 1446H, which promotes the consumption of locally sourced food products during the holy month. The ministry urged consumers to prioritize Saudi dates, highlighting their diverse varieties and superior quality.
A Key Pillar of Food Security
The ministry emphasized that date production is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s food security strategy, contributing to both domestic consumption and international exports. With 37.1 million palm trees nationwide—31.8 million of which are fruit-bearing—the sector plays a vital role in the national economy.
Qassim province leads all regions in date production, accounting for 30% of the national total, with 10.7 million fruit-bearing palm trees. Saudi dates are not only a staple food but also a cultural and agricultural heritage, prized for their high nutritional value, rich energy content, and essential vitamins and minerals, particularly beneficial for fasting individuals during Ramadan.
The ministry also underscored the importance of responsible consumption to minimize food waste, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to enhance food security through increased domestic production and improved efficiency in resource utilization.
Global Demand for Saudi Dates
Saudi dates continue to enjoy strong demand worldwide, particularly among Muslim consumers who seek them during Ramadan. Their superior taste, quality, and competitive pricing make them a preferred choice in international markets, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in the global date industry.
