AlUla, October 28, 2024 — The annual AlUla Dates Season is in full swing, delighting visitors with a wide array of attractions that spotlight the region’s agricultural bounty and rich cultural heritage. This year’s event includes an exciting blend of activities, from interactive culinary experiences and a bustling farmers' market to the vibrant AlUla Date Auction, which has become a seasonal favorite.
One of the event's standout activities is a culinary session led by celebrated chefs who skillfully blend traditional techniques with contemporary twists to honor AlUla’s heritage. These culinary demonstrations prominently feature locally sourced dates, a treasured ingredient in the region, allowing attendees to see firsthand how dates can be creatively integrated into dishes. Visitors gained valuable insights into the local ingredients unique to AlUla and witnessed how these products support sustainable, community-driven economic growth. This initiative, organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla, highlights the region's cultural history while exploring new ways to elevate dates in innovative products.
Running until November 9, the farmers' market has transformed into a vibrant gathering spot. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere complete with a children's area, a variety of food and craft stalls, and ample opportunities for visitors to engage with AlUla’s local vendors. The market is a crucial avenue for economic empowerment, providing local families and residents of AlUla with opportunities to showcase their products. Stalls offer a diverse selection, including an assortment of dates and date-based treats, honey, plants, flowers, traditional clothing, artisanal crafts, and handmade accessories. Nearby local cafés add a cozy, communal feel, allowing guests to relax and savor AlUla’s unique flavors.
The AlUla Date Auction, a cornerstone of the season, has drawn crowds for seven consecutive weeks, with events held every Friday and Saturday near Iskan Stadium in the southern area of AlUla. Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla alongside multiple public and private stakeholders, the auction provides a valuable platform for AlUla's farmers to present their premium date harvest to buyers and investors from both Saudi Arabia and abroad. The auction not only spotlights the quality and variety of AlUla’s dates but also strengthens AlUla’s agricultural economy through enhanced market connections and potential investment opportunities.
