Saudi: Al-Ahsa’s Annual Date Harvest Season Is Here With 20 Juicy Varieties To Sweeten Your Summer!

Summer in the Kingdom is not just about rising temperatures, it’s also date season! Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahsa region has already started seeing the early signs of its famous annual date harvest, with farmers reaping the season’s first batch of rutab, those soft, sweet, early-ripening dates we all love.

Saudi’s Al-Ahsa Kicks Off Early Date Harvest With Over 20 Premium Varieties

The harvest usually runs from 20 May to 20 July, marking one of the most important seasons for Saudi’s agriculture and local date markets. This year, things have kicked off slightly early, and markets across the Kingdom are already preparing for an influx of over 20 premium varieties grown right here in Al-Ahsa.

Expect to see favourites like Khalas, Shishi, and Ghar dates making their way to shelves, ready to sweeten your summer. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture confirmed the 2025 rutab season looks promising, with fresh stock already spreading across the Kingdom.

Dates Galore With Fresh Rutab Hitting Markets Soon

Different varieties will arrive in stages, so there’s plenty to look forward to. Early batches include the popular Rutab Al-Tayyar, Majnaz, Ghar, Khneizi, Shishi, and Khalas. If you’re more into the prized late-season dates, keep an eye out in early July, when varieties like Um Rahim, Zamli, Shahl, and Hilali are expected to hit the markets, continuing until mid-August.

After the rutab season winds down, the full tamr harvest kicks off from mid-August to early October. This stage brings dates in their ripest, final form, with varieties like Shishi, Khalas, and Raziz taking centre stage.

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Season For Al-Ahsa’s Famous Molasses Too

Al-Ahsa isn’t just known for its fresh dates. The region produces some of the finest varieties for making rich, syrupy dibs (molasses), including Marzban, Hatemi, and Shahl. These are loved for their bold flavour and smooth texture – a must-try for anyone visiting or shopping local.

Al-Ahsa is the largest palm oasis in the world with over 2 million palm trees. It produces more than 120,000 tons of dates every single year and holds a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So enjoy the juiciest dates of Saudi Arabia.

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/ SJPailkar from Getty Images