Qatar's growing agricultural sector is taking centre stage at the 11th Local Dates Festival, where 125 farms are showcasing premium produce while strengthening food security, heritage and direct support for local farmers.
Beginning Saturday and running until August 10 at Souq Waqif's Eastern Square, the annual festival has expanded significantly since its launch in 2016, when only 19 local farms participated. This year's edition brings together 125 farms, underscoring the continued growth of Qatar's agricultural sector and increasing interest among local producers.
Speaking to Gulf Times, Mohammed Abdullah al-Salem, director of Souq Waqif and general supervisor of the Local Dates Festival, said the event aims to unite the largest possible number of local farms under one roof while creating greater marketing opportunities for Qatari produce.
"The festival has witnessed a steady increase in the number of participating farms year after year," al-Salem said, noting that the growth reflects farmers' confidence in the event and its role in supporting local production and encouraging healthy competition within the agricultural sector.
He added that visitors can explore a diverse selection of locally grown dates, including Ikhlas, Khunaizi, Shishi and Barhi varieties, alongside seasonal Qatari fruits such as figs, papaya, lime and almonds.
Al-Salem also highlighted that Souq Waqif's Eastern Square was selected as the venue because of its heritage value, central location and ability to provide an exceptional experience for both exhibitors and visitors.
Ahmed Salem al-Yafei, head of the Agricultural Advisory and Services Section at the Ministry of Municipality, said the festival celebrates one of Qatar's most treasured traditions. "This is the 11th edition," al-Yafei said. "We have distinguished varieties of fresh dates on display."
He described fresh dates as an enduring symbol of Qatari culture and hospitality. "I believe fresh dates are one of the cherished traditions in Qatar," he said. "They are an important part of our heritage and hospitality, and you will find them served in almost every majlis across the country."
The festival also continues to attract families seeking educational and interactive experiences. Among them was Umm Sara, attending for the third time, who praised the event for supporting local businesses.
"It is beautiful to see how such initiatives support local businesses," she said. "The local farmers are showcasing, exhibiting and selling their freshly organic dates directly from the farms and for a very reasonable price."
She described the exhibition as an enjoyable family outing where visitors can discover the diversity of Qatar's date varieties.
"You will be shocked to see how many varieties of dates exist," Sara said. "It's a family thing. Your kids can enjoy, your parents can enjoy, as a mother you can enjoy. These are the food items we would like to see in our daily eating routines. By taking children out and showing them everything, it is more of a fun activity."
Last year's festival attracted more than 100,000 visitors and recorded sales exceeding 170,000kg of dates, highlighting the event's growing popularity.
