On October 21, 2024, the Farmers' Market at AlManshiyah Plaza in AlUla officially opened, marking a key highlight of the ongoing AlUla Dates Festival. This market is a Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) initiative, designed to celebrate and showcase the rich agricultural heritage of the region, with a particular focus on its renowned date industry. Visitors to the market are treated to a diverse array of products made from dates, demonstrating the fruit’s versatility and its integral role in AlUla's culinary traditions.
The market features interactive sessions led by celebrated chefs, who share their expertise in creating innovative, date-infused dishes. These sessions aim to inspire both locals and visitors to explore new ways to incorporate dates into their cooking, further enriching AlUla's culinary legacy. In addition to the culinary showcase, the AlUla Dates Auction, now in its sixth week, remains a major draw for traders and consumers alike. The auction plays a vital role in facilitating the purchase of dates in bulk, driving commercial activity, and creating business opportunities for farmers and buyers. Held every Friday and Saturday, the auction will continue through November 9, attracting participation from date traders, processing companies, and consumers eager to secure the finest dates.
As part of the festival, an award ceremony will honor farmers who have participated in the event, with prizes of SAR 75,000 for the first-place winner, SAR 50,000 for the second-place recipient, and SAR 30,000 for third place. The winners will be selected based on established criteria, such as the volume of sales and the overall value of their produce. This recognition not only celebrates the hard work of local farmers but also encourages healthy competition and innovation within the date farming industry.
