From desert to delight: Qatar's dates festival highlights local farming gains

DOHA, July 27 (Xinhua) -- As midsummer heat scorches the streets of Doha, an air-conditioned covered square at Souq Waqif -- one of Doha's oldest heritage landmarks -- offers not only respite from the blazing sun but also a glimpse into the transformation of Qatar's agricultural sector.

Beneath the tent at the 10th Local Dates Festival, rows of rutab (freshly harvested dates) are stacked high, showcasing the progress of local farming. The annual festival, running from July 24 to Aug. 7 and featuring 116 farms from across the country, reflects the rapid growth of the event since its inaugural edition in 2016, with just 19 participants.

"It has truly become a yearly tradition," said Adel Zain Alkaldi Alyafei, assistant director of the Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality.

He highlighted the anticipation among residents and citizens in Qatar who eagerly await the festival.

"By June, people are already asking: When is the rutab festival?" he added.

The total sales from last year's edition exceeded 240 tonnes, nearly 10 times the output when the event first began, indicating Qatar's broader agricultural transformation, particularly in the production of rutab.

The achievement is impressive given Qatar's challenging geography. Located in a tropical desert zone, Qatar contends with extreme heat, limited rainfall, and scarce arable land.

According to the Ministry of Municipality, Qatar now meets more than 75 percent of its domestic dates demand through local production, a major milestone in its drive toward food security and self-sufficiency.

Key to this turnaround has been sustained government support. The ministry provides agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pest control permits, along with logistical services. Just as crucial are exclusive marketing channels like the local dates festival, which allow farmers to sell directly to consumers.

"This festival is considered a marketing outlet for farm owners to sell their local products without any competition," said Alyafei. "Everything inside this tent is local produce."

For many people, particularly in Arab countries, dates are more than a summer fruit due to their nutritional value, being rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, as well as their deep cultural and religious significance for Muslims. Dates are especially favored during Ramadan as they are traditionally eaten to break the fast, often accompanied by water or milk.

Visitors to the festival praised the variety and quality on offer. "We have tasted and purchased all the varieties available in the exhibition. We liked them all, and we advise everyone in Qatar to visit," said one Indian family.

Another visitor, Ahmed Al-Masri, added, "My family and I wait for this rutab festival every year. We buy for ourselves and send to our families. We prefer the Qatari local dates as they are always fresh and sweet."

The festival also aligns with Qatar's National Food Security Strategy 2030, which aims to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen local food systems. ■