Buraydah Date Market

The Buraydah Date City is a large market devoted to the sale of dates, located in Buraydah, the capital of the Qassim region in central Saudi Arabia. It is regarded as one of the biggest date markets in the world in terms of the quantities offered and the volume of trade, especially during the harvest season.

Qassim lies in the heart of Najd and is known for its plentiful groundwater and fertile soil. Buraydah has long been known as a centre for trade in dates, camels and livestock. As production expanded, the municipal authorities established a large, purpose-built site for this trade.

The market reaches its peak in late summer, when the dates ripen, and the Buraydah Date Festival is held at that time. During this period large numbers of vehicles loaded with dates arrive from the region's farms before dawn, and sales are conducted by open auction through brokers who call out prices among crowds of traders and buyers. The best-known variety on offer is Sukkari, for which Qassim is famous, alongside many others. The market has a major effect on the regional economy.