A flagship annual event enhancing Al-Qassim’s agricultural standing and attracting visitors locally and internationally

Buraidah – BETH | Tuesday, July 29, 2025 (04 Safar 1447 AH)

The Buraidah Date Carnival will launch its new edition on Friday, running through October 5, 2025, at the Buraidah Dates City, organized by the Emirate of Al-Qassim Region and the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and supervised by the National Center for Palms and Dates.

As one of the Kingdom’s most prominent agricultural events, the carnival has, for over a quarter of a century, served as a marketing, cultural, and tourism platform for Saudi date products, gaining wide recognition regionally and globally.

📜 From a local produce market to a national carnival

The carnival traces its roots back to late 2006, when its first edition was held at the Buraidah produce market, before moving in 2016 to the newly established specialized Dates City, marking a phase of expansion and development.

In 2018, HRH the Emir of Al-Qassim Region directed that the festival’s media presence be enhanced and modern communication tools be fully utilized. The true turning point came in 2023, when Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz officially rebranded the event as the “Buraidah Date Carnival”, transforming it from a traditional festival into a major national event attracting interest from across the Kingdom and beyond.

🎯 Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030

The carnival plays a key role in the Kingdom’s broader plans to develop the agricultural sector and strengthen food security, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
It contributes to solidifying Al-Qassim Region’s reputation as a leading hub for date production and marketing, leveraging:

advanced agricultural and tourism infrastructure,

heritage and environmental sites,

and a variety of entertainment offerings that deliver a holistic experience for visitors.

🎪 Diverse activities and a living heritage

This year’s carnival will feature a variety of cultural, commercial, and recreational activities, including:

Exhibitions of date-related processing industries,

participation by local artisans and productive families,

poetry evenings and performances by traditional folk troupes,

and a dedicated children’s zone with art and drawing activities.