Qatar’s 11th Local Dates Festival attracted approximately 20,000 visitors and recorded sales of around 41 tonnes of locally grown dates during its first three days, according to the Ministry of Municipality.
The strong opening figures reflect considerable public interest in locally produced fresh dates and the annual agricultural event at Souq Waqif.
More than 120 farms showcase local produce
The festival features 114 farms producing fresh dates, along with 11 farms displaying seasonal fruits.
Visitors can explore a wide selection of locally grown produce, meet farmers and compare some of Qatar’s most popular fresh-date varieties in one location.
The festival was organised by the Ministry of Municipality in collaboration with Souq Waqif management and opened on July 25, 2026.
Supporting Qatar’s agricultural sector
The Ministry of Municipality said the festival forms part of its efforts to support local farmers, promote Qatari agricultural products and encourage consumers to purchase locally grown dates.
By giving farms direct access to visitors, the event provides producers with a public platform to display and market their harvest during the fresh-date season.
The ministry also linked the initiative to Qatar’s wider food-security and agricultural-sustainability objectives. Supporting demand for domestic produce can strengthen the position of local farms and encourage continued investment in production and quality.
Festival includes competitions and family activities
Alongside the farm displays and produce sales, the 11th Local Dates Festival includes daily competitions, prizes and cultural awareness activities suitable for families.
An awareness symposium is also being held in collaboration with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, covering religious provisions related to Zakat on palm trees and fruits.
The festival has also launched competitions for participating farms, including the Best Agricultural Display Competition and the Golden Fresh Dates Basket Competition, designed to recognise product quality, presentation and agricultural marketing.
Festival continues until August 10
The 11th Local Dates Festival is being held at the Eastern Square of Souq Waqif and will continue until August 10, 2026.
Opening hours
Sunday to Thursday: 4 pm–9 pm
Friday and Saturday: 4 pm–10 pm
Entry is open to the public, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to shop for fresh Qatari dates and seasonal produce while supporting farms from across the country.
Festival details at a glance
Event: 11th Local Dates Festival
Location: Eastern Square, Souq Waqif
Dates: July 25–August 10, 2026
Visitors during first three days: Approximately 20,000
Reported date sales: Around 41 tonnes
Participating fresh-date farms: 114
Seasonal-fruit farms: 11
Best-selling variety: Khalas, with 17 tonnes reported sold
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