RIYADH: A Date Diplomacy initiative has been introduced to boost cooperation around date cultivation between — specifically the central Qassim region — and other countries.
The program was announced during the Buraidah Dates Carnival, which started earlier this month and runs until mid-October.
It will introduce ambassadors visiting diplomatic missions to the carnival, raising awareness of the cultural, economic and heritage activities taking place. Ambassadors will be invited to visit date farms and receive date-related gifts.
The initiative also aims to strengthen relations between the member states of the Riyadh-based International Dates Council, which includes , the UAE, Tunisia, Sudan, Mauritania, Yemen, Oman, Palestine, Somalia and Lebanon. It is being run by the Emirate of Qassim Region, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Center for Palms and Dates.
The Buraidah Dates Carnival features a wide range of events, programs and exhibitions, highlighting more than 100 varieties of the fruit produced in the central Qassim region, known as the breadbasket of the Kingdom.
It is the largest event of its kind, with more than SR3.2 billion ($853 million) worth of dates sold last year.
Hundreds of tonnes have already been sold this year, chiefly the popular Sukkari variety. Khalas, Suqai, Wannana, Barhi, Shaqra, Medjool, Hoshaniyya and other types are also in high demand.
