The first batches of locally produced fresh dates (rutab) have begun arriving at the popular markets in Al Wakrah and Al Sailiya, marking the start of Qatar’s annual fresh dates season.
Early varieties currently available include Khanizi, Barhi, and Shishi, with supplies expected to increase significantly over the coming days as additional varieties, including Khalas, enter the market.
Some date palm farm owners stressed that the process of harvesting the season’s first crop has already started, with production expected to rise by the end of this week and over the next week. They explained that the initial harvest includes the Khanizi and Shishi varieties, noting that these continue to enjoy the strongest consumer demand at the beginning of the season due to their popularity within the local market.
Farm owners also noted that many farms have partnered with delivery companies to transport fresh produce orders directly from farms to customers nationwide. They expect the local market to see a substantial increase in supplies after July 15, when harvesting operations will be completed or nearing completion. They further noted that several Qatari date farms cultivate rare and premium varieties.
Yousef al-Taher, owner of a date palm farm, said his farm has already begun harvesting the season’s first dates and expects production to increase by the end of this week and into next week, stressing the farm’s commitment to offering high-quality produce and meeting customer expectations.
The current harvest includes the Khanizi and Shishi varieties, which enjoy the highest demand early in the season.
Ali al-Henzab, another date farm owner, said his farm will begin harvesting its first crop this week. He explained that Khanizi is the earliest variety to be harvested, followed by Shishi and finally Khalas.
He said that sales are conducted directly at the farm, where traders purchase the produce before distributing it to markets. Accordingly, the farm has agreements with several traders, and its entire fresh date production has already been reserved.
Meanwhile, Hamad al-Kuwari, owner of another date farm, said harvesting at his farm will begin within a week. He explained that the farm is home to around 50 varieties of dates, including many rare and premium cultivars sourced from Tunisia, Algeria, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
He added that harvesting starts with Khanizi and Shishi before moving to Khalas later in the season.
He noted that Iraqi date varieties are among the finest available and explained that sales of the farm’s rare and expensive varieties are conducted directly from the farm.