More than 115 tonnes dates sold at festival

The Local Dates Festival at Souq Waqif has recorded sales of more than 115 tonnes in the first nine days, according to a statement by the Ministry of Municipality on X.The festival received 58,000 visitors. Organised by the ministry and Souq Waqif management, the festival at the Eastern Square of Souq, is witnessing participation of 114 farms in Qatar.To run until August 7, the festival displays several types of dates including Qatari varieties including Al Khalas, Al Khenaizi, Al Shishi, Al Barhi, Al Saqai, Al Razizi, Nabt Saif and Al Lulu. The festival also sells locally grown fruits including fig and papaya. Date products are drawing crowds.Over half a dozen stalls across the tent sell a diverse range of date products and sweets. These include date ice creams of pistachio, mango, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon and saffron flavours. Date ice creams, mixed with kunafa and cheese cake, are also available.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Municipality Saturday announced the winners of the highly anticipated "Best Date Basket" competition, a highlight of the festival.In the competitive ‘Khalas’ dates category, first place was awarded to the farm of Abdulhadi Suleiman Haidar, whose quality and presentation earned top honours.The farm of the heirs of Khalil Mansour al-Hajri secured the second place, while the third place went to the heirs of Abdulhamid al-Ansari. Meanwhile, the ‘Shishi’ dates category saw Ali Ibrahim al-Malki's farm take the first place, followed by Yousef Ahmed al-Aher's farm in second, and the farm of Sheikh Nasser bin Jassim al-Thani in third.