Fourth Shaqra Dates Festival Opens in Al-Asyah

The Fourth Shaqra Al-Asyah Dates Festival opens in the central area of Ain Ibn Fuhayd, in Al-Asyah Governorate in the Qassim Region, running for seven days from 16 to 22 August 2026. The event brings together local farmers, date vendors, and visitors, with free entry and no ticket fee for general admission.

The festival venue has been prepared by Al-Asyah Governorate Municipality under Qassim Region Municipality, and includes market facilities, lighting, electrical systems, cleaning services, and dedicated display areas. Farmers and traders take part through market stalls and live auctions of local dates.

The main focus is on fresh dates (rutab), especially the Shaqra variety, alongside other well-known Qassim types such as Sukkari, Sagai, Khalas, and Barhi. Daily activities typically include date auctions in the central market area, displays of fresh and processed date products, and agricultural and heritage activities that highlight Najdi traditions and local farming.

Prices are not fixed at the festival; instead they are set through market auctions and direct negotiation between farmers, traders, and buyers, varying by variety, grade, and quantity. The event runs daily during the festival period, generally from late afternoon into the evening in line with common date-market practice in Qassim.

Why it matters

The festival supports the goals of Vision 2030 by promoting local dates as an economic and export product, offering farmers a marketing platform, and stimulating commercial activity and tourism in Al-Asyah and the wider Qassim Region. Ordinary visitors do not need any national electronic platform to attend or buy, making it an easy outing for families and dates enthusiasts across the region.

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