On October 17, 2024, His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Qassim Region, proudly received the prestigious Guinness World Records certificate recognizing the Buraidah Carnival as the largest date carnival in the world. The presentation of this award took place during a formal meeting at the governor's office, attended by Dr. Khaled Al-Nuqidan, General Supervisor of the Buraidah Date Carnival, and the event's dedicated team.
In his address, Prince Faisal extended his heartfelt congratulations to all officials, committee members, farmers, investors, and residents of the region for their role in this historic achievement. He lauded the concerted efforts of the high committee and the organizing committee behind the Buraidah Date Carnival, emphasizing the dedication of all the entities involved in making this event a remarkable success. The governor expressed that this global recognition not only highlights the Qassim Region's organizational and operational excellence but also enhances the visibility of the region's growing date economy. It stands as a testament to the skills and capabilities of the Qassim Region's people, positioning them on the world stage.
Prince Faisal also emphasized that the Buraidah Date Carnival plays a crucial role in supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by contributing to the diversification of the kingdom's economy. He pointed out that the carnival markets approximately 400,000 tons of dates produced from over 11 million palm trees in the region. Additionally, the carnival, which boasts sales exceeding SAR 3.2 billion annually, is one of the most esteemed specialized date markets globally. The governor further highlighted that the carnival accounts for 50 percent of Saudi Arabia's total date production, offering over 50 varieties of dates and featuring more than 200 unique activities.
This recognition by Guinness World Records marks a milestone in Buraidah's journey, cementing its reputation as an international hub for date production and trade, while simultaneously contributing to the promotion of local culture and economic development.