Dates are both a humble stone fruit and a cultural treasure in the State of Qatar. As the national fruit, dates are well-loved in the country. The fruit is honoured with an exciting annual local dates festival and is widely used as part of the Qatari hospitality.
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A taste of the Qatari culture
When you visit Doha, make sure you sink your teeth into some sweet, sticky dates. They’re a local delicacy enjoyed fresh, dried and processed. The fruit bursts with natural sugars and becomes a beautiful tan-brown in the hot sun. Doha dates are a part of daily life here and are often served with coffee as a symbol of hospitality.
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30,000 tonnes of dates
The most cultivated fruit in the Arab peninsula, dates grow readily in Qatar. In 2022, production topped 30,000 tonnes.
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Oldest cultivated fruits in the world
Having been harvested for at least 6,000 years, dates are ever-popular. Records of date palms stretch back to ancient times.
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Dates are on the Qatari emblem
The national emblem has two date palms swaying alongside a traditional dhow. Designed in the maroon colour of Qatar, the emblem shows the trinity of sand, sea and sky.
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Life tastes sweet with dates
Dates are eternally popular in the Middle East for a myriad of reasons. In Islamic tradition, dates are believed to be strengthening for body and mind, and are consumed and distributed particularly during the Holy month of Ramadan. As well as being a versatile fruit that’s suitable for preserving, they’re jam-packed with goodness and thrive in a warm and dry climate.
Varieties
Treat your palate to a few varieties of dates grown in Qatar, which greatly differ in appearance, taste and texture. You can try:
Khalas, Shishi, Barhi, Zahidi, Khudri, Al Sufawi, Sufri, Khunaizi, Sukkari, Nabut Saif, Silji and more!
Recipes
You can pick dates from date palms and pop them straight in your mouth. Of course, they’re often preserved too. You’ll find date syrup served with beverages in Qatar, and maamoul (butter cookies filled with date paste) are a favourite in the Arab world. Dates are even served in slushy drinks, stuffed with nuts, mixed into desserts and rolled into crispy balls.
Nutrition
Health-enhancing dates have long been used in folk medicine. They’re fat-free, naturally sweet and a good source of energy. It’s easy to see why they are used to break the fast in Ramadan. These precious fruits are also low in calories and high in protein and dietary fibre.
Agriculture
In the sunny land of Qatar, dates are the most important agricultural crop. The country has achieved over 88% self-sufficiency in dates thanks to the support of the Agricultural Affairs Department of the Ministry of Municipality to local farmers.
Go harvesting at Heenat Salma Farm
Join in the date harvest, from June to October, and even learn the basics of palmer weaving.
Local Dates Festival
During the summer, dates are put in the spotlight. The Local Dates Festival in Qatar is the time for local farmers to showcase their finest dates and date products like smoothies and jams. It takes place at the end of July and is a chance to discover the rare varieties.
Where to shop for dates
Wondering where to buy the best dates in Doha? A trip to Qatar isn’t complete without shopping for the local fruit, which is an ideal souvenir for travellers to take home due to its long shelf life. Treat yourself to an appetising selection.
Souq Waqif
Fill your senses as you jostle with the locals at the souq. Head to Al Souq Street and take your pick of the dates. While you’re there, admire the spices, jewellery, perfumes and more.
Qinwan
If you like luxury shopping, Qinwan has premium dates for you. The traditional fruit is given a gourmet filling and presented in stylish boxes by this local company. They’re ideal for gifts, so don’t hold back.
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Things to know before travelling
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