Around 20 varieties of dates are available at Sharjah’s Al Jubail Dates Festival, with traders saying the fresh harvest season lasts just two to three months each year.
The UAE’s fresh date season is in full swing, with prices starting at Dh15 per kilogram at Sharjah’s Al Jubail Dates Festival. The festival is offering around 20 varieties, ranging from popular local favourites to premium selections imported from Saudi Arabia and Oman, giving shoppers plenty of options to choose from.
Most of the dates available are locally harvested in the UAE, while fresh supplies from neighbouring countries continue to reach the market daily.
What can shoppers buy this season?
The most affordable fresh variety currently available is UAE Naghal, priced at Dh15 per kg.
Other popular locally grown varieties include:
- Barhi – Dh20 per kg
- Khalas – Dh20 per kg
- Khanizi – Dh25 per kg
- Sagai – Dh25 to Dh30 per kg
- Puchipal – Dh25 per kg
For customers looking for premium imported dates, options include:
- Oman Barhi – Dh25 per kg
- Oman Khunaizi – Dh25 per kg
- Saudi Medjool – Dh30 per kg
- Saudi Ajwa – Dh35 per kg
Many shoppers are also looking for fresh Sukkari dates, but traders said the variety has not arrived yet. At present, only the preserved version is available.
Why fresh dates are in high demand
Unlike dried dates, which are available throughout the year, fresh dates are a seasonal product available only during the harvest period.
“Fresh dates are available for only two to three months every year, and Emiratis wait for this season,” said Waheed Ul Nabi, a trader at the market. “This is when they get the freshest and highest-quality dates. We sell between 50kg and 100kg every day, and sales can increase significantly in the coming days.”
He added that around 20 varieties are currently available, with most harvested in the UAE. Fresh supplies from Saudi Arabia and Oman also arrive daily, giving customers a wider selection of seasonal dates.
Abdul Samad, another trader at the market, said many customers try different varieties before choosing their favourites.
“Each variety has its own unique taste, texture and level of sweetness. Most customers prefer locally grown UAE dates, but premium varieties from Saudi Arabia and Oman are also in demand. Fresh supplies arrive almost every day, giving visitors an even wider selection in the weeks ahead,” he said.
Abdul Rasheed, another trader, said demand for fresh dates is already gaining momentum this season.
“Customers have started enquiring about fresh Sukkari, but it has not arrived at the market yet. More fresh varieties are expected to become available in the coming weeks as the harvest season progresses,” he said.
Festival runs until September
The 11th edition of the Souq Al Jubail Dates Festival will continue until September 15, bringing together retailers from the market alongside external exhibitors.
Visitors can explore around 20 varieties of fresh dates, learn more about traditional date farming practices, and discover a range of products made from dates. The annual festival also supports local farmers and traders while offering residents access to some of the freshest seasonal produce.
As the harvest season progresses, more varieties are expected to arrive at the market, including Hilali, Khashkar, Mazini, Jabri, Baqal, Sallani, Bu Maan, Khadrawi, Lulu, Shishi and Ain Baqar, adding to the current selection available.
