Riyadh, March 2, 2025 – The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has officially confirmed that Saudi dates continue to play a crucial role in the Kingdom’s food security strategy. Local production of dates in 2024 surpassed an impressive 1.9 million tons, underscoring not only the abundance of domestic supply but also the Kingdom’s ability to meet local demand while generating a substantial surplus for export.
The Ministry highlighted that Saudi Arabia has achieved a remarkable 119% self-sufficiency in dates, solidifying its position as one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of this vital agricultural product. This achievement reflects the Kingdom's robust agricultural sector and its commitment to ensuring sustainable food sources for its population. The ability to produce more dates than the domestic market requires positions Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global dates market, with its products in demand in various countries around the world.
In terms of international trade, Saudi Arabia has seen significant success. The Kingdom's exports and re-exports of dates totaled approximately 351,000 tons, while imports of dates remained minimal, at just 952 tons. This balance illustrates not only the Kingdom’s self-sufficiency but also the high quality of its dates, which have earned recognition and competitive standing in global markets. Saudi dates are known for their superior quality, and their export growth reflects increasing international demand for the product.
This achievement is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader agricultural and economic goals, which emphasize food security and self-reliance. By continuing to invest in agricultural production and ensuring the quality of its products, the Kingdom is reinforcing its position as a global leader in date production and export, while simultaneously securing its domestic food needs. As the Kingdom works toward diversifying its economy under Vision 2030, the agricultural sector, particularly date production, remains a significant component of its food security and export strategies.