Qassim Governor Stresses Saudi Date Industry’s Global Aspirations at Buraidah Dates Carnival
RIYADH: Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global cooperation, economic development, and the exchange of culture during his recent tour of the Buraidah Dates Carnival, one of the most visible cultural and economic festivals in the Kingdom.
The governor observed the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Buraidah Dates Carnival and the Cultural Integration Center of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The agreement, which was mediated under the umbrella of the “Date Route Agreement,” will witness the international promotion of Saudi dates being expanded, as well as the inclusion of cultural, economic, and tourism activities along the new Silk Road.
Prince Faisal described the agreement as a milestone in boosting international cooperation and exposing Saudi heritage to the world. He praised national efforts towards developing the date and palm industry, citing its economic and cultural significance.
The governor also highlighted the achievements of the carnival, including being named by Guinness World Records as the largest date carnival in the world. He commended the launch of the international date route as an innovative step that utilizes culture, trade, and tourism to market Saudi dates in the global markets.
The prince emphasized the importance of “date diplomacy” throughout the visit, an initiative that seeks to raise the awareness of ambassadors and diplomatic missions of the cultural and economic importance of dates in Saudi society. The program, he continued, plays a vital role in promoting international relations through cultural exchange.
The Buraidah Dates Festival has harvested enormous economic and social returns. It has attracted more than 90,000 visitors a week, while the 75-day event has achieved SR3.2 billion (€853 million) worth of sales. Over 578,000 tons of dates were sold, in addition to the creation of more than 4,000 seasonal job opportunities — a reflection of the successful partnership between the public and private sectors.
Prince Faisal also toured the interactive exhibit “Our Saudi Story,” organized by the Museums Commission as part of the carnival. The exhibit features 11 valuable artifacts from local museums, presented through the latest digital technologies and storytelling tools. The initiative, which runs until Sept. 13, merges heritage and innovation, offering a modern and interactive experience to strengthen cultural identity.
The governor commended the mix of history and technology at the exhibition, citing its alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 goals of retaining culture, modernizing, and advancing Saudi heritage globally. He added that these kinds of projects reinforce national pride while creating intergenerational connections to the rich heritage of the Kingdom.
Organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates in collaboration with the Qassim branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Buraidah Dates Carnival will continue until Oct. 5.