[2007-08-24]  Buraidah Dates Market Expects SR2bn Sales
Buraidah International dates market is expected to draw SR2 billion in sales of dates this year, according to the head of the Technical Committee of the large Buraidah date market in Qasim.

“More than 200,000 tons of dates are sold in this market alone,” Al-Nugaidan said. “The market displays large quantities of the locally called Sukkary, a dates type only produced in Qassim. “It is the most sought after and the most expensive type of dates in Saudi Arabia,” he added.

Al-Nugaidan pointed out that several million riyals worth of deals take place in the market between local dates producers and traders both from inside and outside of the Kingdom.

Al-Nugaidan attributed the unusual increase of buyers this year to the harvest time, which coincides with the advent of the Holy Month of Ramadan when Muslims prefer to break their fast eating dates.

“The quality of dates this year is excellent as no diseases were recorded during this season,” said Al-Nugaidan, who is also the head of environmental health at Buraidah Municipality.

Al-Nugaidan pointed out that the Qassim Municipality has allocated SR20 million to build the first phase of the project of The International City of Dates at the heart of Buraidah to increase marketing and investment channels for this precious tree.

“The design of the new project was the result of intensive consultations with dates farmers, producers, businessmen dates palm specialists,” he said adding that the intended project includes quality-assurance laboratories, a hall for the International Council of Dates, retail and wholesale dates display terminals and special places for other productions related to the dates industry.

There are also important additions to the Buraidah Dates Market this year, he said adding that Saudi Express Post and express shipping companies like DHL and HATEX have special places in the market ready for dates shipping to any parts of the world.

“You can buy your dates and ship them right away,” he added. “Also, you can order your dates online.”

Al-Nugaidan said explaining that a new site is currently under construction and will open this week to take dates orders anywhere. Buraidah Municipality has erected a special tent in a place adjacent to the market to enlighten the public and those who are not acquainted with dates with information regarding this cherished tree and the various productions and industries related to dates palm. “We have experienced staff available around the clock to help visitors with any information or services they may need,” he added.

When asked about the best time to visit the market, he said, “the climax of the market is at the early hours of the day as dates producers line up their vehicles even before fajr prayer.”

You can come anytime during the day and the first three hours of the night to find the best date variety you are looking for, he said. “Dates farmers and producers come in large quantities in the morning and in the afternoon to sell their dates,” he added.

He also told Arab News that free storage services are also available for three days in the market. “Al-Butain Cooperative Agriculture Society provides its refrigerators for free for those who want to keep their dates for three days in Buraidah,” said Al-Nugaidan.

Dubbed as the capital city of dates in the Kingdom, Buraidah is home to more than 30 varieties of palm trees with estimated cultivated areas of date palm reaching 172,000 hectares in 2006.

The market is offering other types of dates with different sweet tastes. “Barhy is the second type customers are looking for in Buraidah Market,” Al- Nugaidan said, adding that many prefer to eat this kind while it is still bright yellow.

The price of dates in the market ranges from SR10 to SR100 per kilo. “The luxurious Sukkary cost as much as SR100 per kilo,” he added.







Source: Arab News © 2003 All rights reserved.