Fourth Shaqra Dates Festival Opens in Al-Asyah

The Fourth Shaqra Al-Asyah Dates Festival opens in the central area of Ain Ibn Fahid in Al-Asyah governorate, part of the Shaqra area in the Qassim Region, running for seven days from 16 to 22 August 2026. The event serves as a seasonal marketplace for farmers, producers, and visitors throughout the date harvest season.

Entry to the festival is free of charge, with no ticket required for general access to the marketplace and exhibits. The event is open to all ages, including residents and international visitors, and operates with standard local business hours, with activity focused during the evening.

What to expect

Farmers and date producers are provided with dedicated market spaces and auction areas to display and sell fresh dates and processed products. Main activities include live date auctions for bulk quantities, retail stalls for fresh dates and products such as molasses, paste, and stuffed dates, sections for other local agricultural produce, and cultural and family activities showcasing Najdi heritage.

Retail prices vary by variety and quality. Common mid-range varieties are listed at roughly 15–30 SAR while premium or early-season rutab ranges from about 30–60 SAR per 3–5 kg carton. Processed date products generally fall between 10–40 SAR though live auction prices fluctuate with supply and demand.

Al-Asyah Municipality, under the Qassim Region Municipality, oversees site preparation, cleanliness, lighting, and market facilities. Farmers and vendors wishing to participate coordinate locally through the municipality and governorate channels. For the community, the festival offers direct access to fresh local dates at competitive prices and supports farmers and the local economy during harvest season.

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