The centrepiece at the exhibition is this signage that says 2023 edition of the Souq Waqif Local Dates Festival which was created using at least two varieties of dates. Pic: Joelyn Baluyut/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: The eighth edition of the Souq Waqif Local Dates Festival commenced yesterday, with an impressive participation of over 103 local farms, featuring 14 date varieties.
The festival, which spans a period of 10 days and will run until August 5, has seen a significant increase in local farm engagement compared to last year’s event, which hosted 85 local farms.
General Supervisor of the Festival, Khaled Saif Al Suwaidi, revealed to The Peninsula that this edition holds a distinctive allure as it goes beyond the traditional offering of fresh dates for purchase. He explained that visitors are treated to a diverse array of date-based products, including cakes, tarts, smoothies, jams, and juices.
He also explained that in comparison to previous editions, this year witnessed the highest number of local farms participating, making it the most significant to date.
Moreover, an exclusive section showcasing fruits and plants has been introduced, adding depth and variety to the festival. Al Suwaidi also announced the launch of an inaugural competition to recognise the best local dates and branches, elevating the significance of the event within the agricultural community.
Al Suwaidi stressed the paramount importance of the festival, underscoring its role as a splendid showcase of the bountiful produce of local farmers. With more than 14 types of dates available for selection, the festival provides a platform for farmers to learn from and interact with one another, exchanging insights on packaging techniques, discovering new date varieties, and fostering collaborations with fellow farms, he said.
“Dates hold global acclaim, transcending local appeal, with a diverse range of nationalities joining us in our festivities. I extend a heartfelt invitation to everyone to seize this opportune moment, as they will have the privilege of choosing from over 14 unique date varieties, presented by 103 thriving farms,” said Al Suwaidi.
The inaugural day of the festival witnessed a substantial influx of eager attendees, who flocked to the air-conditioned tent area at Al Ahmad Square. One buyer, Said, from Tunisia, expressed his appreciation for the festival’s timely nature, coinciding with the peak season for dates, when they are at their ripest.
He commended the festival’s emphasis on supporting and patronising local produce, highlighting the affordability and high-quality offerings available.
Apart from the myriad date varieties, the festival proudly showcases an array of products derived from dates, including pastries, cakes, jams, juices, smoothies, pickles, and even ice-cream, all available for purchase at the venue.
As for the prices of dates, they are attractively set, with rates starting as low as QR6 per kilo, and reaching up to QR25 for three kilograms. For instance, one kilo of Khalas date is priced at QR10; Khinaizi at QR8, and Nabth Saif, Lou Lou, Raziz, Gor, among others, priced at QR6 per kilo.
The Souq Waqif Local Dates Festival is located at Al Ahmad Square. It is open from 3:30pm to 9:30pm every day, except Fridays when it extends its operation until 10pm.
