“Taste paradise” is a phrase I think of often here at the Saudi Palm in Medina. This isn’t just any artwork. It’s a tribute to the region’s most treasured fruit: dates.
Saudi Arabia is serious about dates. It wants to be the world’s leading exporter. The Saudi Palm symbolizes this ambition. The Kingdom already produces about 12% of the world’s dates. It is investing heavily in palm cultivation. This effort aligns with Vision 2030.
Dates are vital to Saudi Arabia. Date palms represent 82% of the Kingdom’s fruit crops. The country produces around one million tonnes of date palm products. This puts Saudi Arabia in the top five world producers. There are approximately 28.5 million palm trees spread across 145,000 hectares. The regions of Riyadh, Al-Qassim and Al-Madinah are key areas for date production.
Al-Madinah is the third main center for date palms. It produces over 180,000 tons of dates annually. The region has about 4.6 million palm trees. They cover 18,000 hectares. You’ll find these mainly in Al-Madinah Al-Monawwara, Al-Ola and Khaybar.
Al-Madinah boasts over 300 types of dates. The Agwa type is especially famous. Muslims around the world highly request them.
The agricultural sector is very important. The Kingdom supports it through various programs. These include the program for sustainable agriculture development and the national initiative Nusaned. These initiatives aim to develop palms and promote agricultural innovation. They also strengthen cooperation between public and private sectors.
Among the many varieties, some stand out. The Alk-Khalas of the Eastern region holds a 26% market share. Alsukkary from Al-Qassim has a 15% market share. Al-Madinah Berni, Agwa, Berhi and Rothana share 13% of the market.
The western oases in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah cultivate over two hundred palm varieties. Some trees bear fruit multiple times a year. Types include al-Burni, al-Rabiah and Ajwat al-Madinah dates.
Consider the Ajwa date. It’s a soft, dry variety from Medina. It’s known for its delightful, soft and fruity texture. These dates might cost around 120 to 150 Saudi Riyals per kilogram. A special feature is the white lines on them.
Dates are more than just food. Muslims often break their fast with them. Science has proven dates are part of a healthy diet. They contain sugar, fat, proteins and essential vitamins.
The Prophet Muhammad said Ajwa dates are from paradise. He said they are a healing for possession. He also said whoever eats seven Ajwa dates every morning will not be harmed by poison or magic that day.
So, as you admire the Saudi Palm, remember it is a symbol. It represents the rich history, the agricultural importance and the deep cultural significance of dates in Medina and throughout Saudi Arabia. It’s a sweet reminder of the Kingdom’s commitment to this precious fruit.