Buraidah Dates Carnival: 200+ Auctioneers Lead Bids

The Buraidah International Dates Carnival is continuing its 2026 season in the Qassim region south of Buraidah, with more than 200 auctioneers leading live bidding across the carnival's auction yard until 14 October 2026. The event is held under the patronage of the Emir of Qassim and organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates.

Auctioneers introduce the quality of dates loaded onto vehicles and drive bidding until the highest price is reached. The carnival currently features more than 100 varieties of dates, with Sukkari dates standing out as the main commercial variety taking center stage at the festival.

Activity begins in the early morning after Fajr prayer, with around 2,000 vehicles arriving daily along 28 routes. Sales are supported by more than 500 marketers who promote varieties and manage auctions across morning and evening sessions. A seasonal electronic platform installed at market entrances organizes selling and receiving operations, links sellers with buyers, and provides daily statistics on varieties, quantities, and farms.

A major economic platform

Transaction values reached about SAR 325 million over the first 23 days of the season, underscoring the carnival's role as a comprehensive economic platform that combines a vibrant market, daily auctions, and supply-chain and logistics showcases to strengthen the global presence of Saudi dates.

The carnival offers residents and visitors in the Kingdom a chance to explore the country's palm and dates heritage while shopping directly from producers. Recent price indications have seen Sukkari dates offered in 3 kg packages ranging between SAR 30 and SAR 100 depending on quality and presentation, giving buyers options across different grades and budgets.

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