Madinah, October 07, 2024 — The Madinah Dates Season exhibition is currently in full swing, attracting large crowds and providing visitors with a unique opportunity to engage in a variety of activities. Among the offerings are hands-on workshops, farming demonstrations, cooking classes, and even virtual reality experiences simulating date harvesting. This year's event is not only a celebration of the region's rich agricultural heritage but also an educational platform for attendees.
Numerous agricultural associations and local farmers are actively participating in the exhibition, showcasing the region's diverse date varieties. A standout presence at the event is 72-year-old Talal Abu Ouf, a seasoned farmer who boasts over 55 years of experience in the cultivation and processing of dates. Accompanied by his grandson, who operates a local date factory, Abu Ouf shared insights with an SPA reporter about his extensive journey in the field, which commenced in the 1970s. His family's deep-rooted involvement in date farming, marketing, and exporting has made them a notable player in the industry.
Abu Ouf expressed optimism about the exhibition's impact, noting that it has significantly contributed to the rising demand for dates and enhanced visibility for the region's unique date varieties, which include an impressive 28 types. The exhibition is strategically located near the historic Quba Mosque and will continue until October 16, serving as a key feature of the broader Madinah Dates Season. This event underscores the importance of the palm and date sector, a vital aspect of agricultural production in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.