From harvest to hospitality: Saudi date farmers keep centuries-old traditions alive

JEDDAH: Across Saudi Arabia’s date-growing regions, the annual harvest season is more than an agricultural cycle. For many farming families, it is a continuation of traditions, skills and knowledge passed down through generations.

As dates begin to ripen, farmers closely monitor the fruit before harvesting, sorting and preparing it for sale or processing. While modern technology has transformed many aspects of the industry, growers say the expertise behind producing high-quality dates remains rooted in experience handed down within families.

“Dates are part of our identity as Saudis, especially here in Madinah,” said Fahad Al-Raddadi, CEO of Naqwat Alnanaa Farms Co.