Doha, Qatar: The 11th Local Dates Festival, organized by the Ministry of Municipality in collaboration with Souq Waqif, has concluded. The festival which ran from July 25 to August 10, 2026 has garnered significant public attendance and achieving impressive sales across various local date varieties.
The festival attracted a total of approximately 110,000 visitors, while date sales reached 183,268 kilograms. This total comprised 78,194kg of Khalas dates, 34,336kg of Khunaizi, 34,673kg of Shishi, and 22,404 kg of Barhi, with sales of other varieties totaling 13,661kg.
The festival's high turnout and the volume of sales achieved reflect its success in supporting local agricultural produce, boosting the market presence of Qatari (fresh dates), and encouraging local farmers to increase production and enhance product quality. It also provides a direct platform to showcase local date varieties and market them to consumers.
The Ministry of Municipality emphasized that the Local Dates Festival is part of its ongoing efforts to support local farmers and producers. By providing marketing outlets that enhance the agricultural sector's economic viability and encourage increased, high-quality production, the festival supports the State’s objectives of strengthening food security and ensuring the sustainability of local agricultural output.
As part of ongoing efforts to support the marketing of local fresh dates and ensure their availability to consumers following the conclusion of the festival, the Ministry of Municipality continues its collaboration with several shopping malls—namely Villaggio, Doha Festival City, and Landmark—to supply and sell local fresh dates until August 15, 2026. This initiative extends efforts to expand marketing outlets for local produce, facilitate consumer access, and support Qatari farms during the fresh date production season.
The Ministry of Municipality expressed its appreciation to the participating Qatari farms, the Souq Waqif management, and all supporting entities, partners, and organizers. It also acknowledged the significant turnout of citizens, residents, and visitors, which contributed to the success of the festival's eleventh edition.
