Establishment Golden Dates

01 AUG 2026 18 صفر 1448 مدينة التمور - بريدة

Buraydah International Dates Carnival
Where the authenticity of the palm, the generosity of the land, and the spirit of the place

Your agritourism destination .. discover the world's largest economic and agricultural movement for dates

Explore the Tracks

Carnival Moments

Carnival Tracks

Your Journey Through the Capital of Dates

National Authenticity… and Global Momentum

The Buraydah International Dates Carnival takes you on an extended journey through its integrated tracks, where the pulse of the market meets the passion of culture and the innovation of the future to create your exceptional experience.

Each track inspires you to discover its elements, deepens your connection to the palm tree and its heritage, and opens up new, unforgettable horizons for you.

Auctions & Global Economy Track

The Dawn Auction Market and Live Exchange

Experience date trading in the pulsing commercial artery of the carnival, and the largest agricultural economic movement in the world.

Program Highlights

Daily auctions Digital dates exchange Shipping company kiosks Weekly charity auction (every Friday) Farmers' hospitality lounge

Location

Auction Square: Date City, Buraydah

Timing

Live dawn auctions: right after Fajr prayer until 9:00 AM daily
Exchange and logistics services: throughout operating hours

All Tracks

Empowerment & International Integration Track

Al-Nakhla Center | Leadership Forum & International Integration

A place that brings leaders together… and shapes the future of the industry!

Al-Nakhla Center forms the institutional and developmental heart of the Buraydah International Dates Carnival, where sector leaders, international delegations, and government agencies meet in a high-level working and integration environment.

Here, strategic partnerships are forged and the future is shaped — starting with hosting the first international forum for organizers of date festivals worldwide to exchange international expertise, through to exhibitions by government agencies and associations offering comprehensive development solutions. At the same time, it sits at the heart of scholarly activity through a symposium on dates in Islamic culture, and participates in processing-industry workshops that open horizons for innovation and international investment in cooperation with the FAO, alongside hosting craft training workshops to develop the capabilities of productive families, and welcoming visitors with authentic Saudi hospitality.

Highlights of Al-Nakhla Center

Government & Association Exhibitions

Interactive pavilions dedicated to ministries and development agencies (such as the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the Food and Drug Authority) to showcase their initiatives and services.

School Canteen Product Launch

"Milaf" launches its distinctive products for students in school canteens - August 31

Carnival Reception & Hospitality

Permanent hospitality points at the main entrance in traditional attire reflecting Saudi generosity throughout 75 days.

Jameel Dates Award

From August 16 | Crowning at the Golden Night

Location

Main Building – Al-Nakhla Center

Timing

From 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM
From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

All Tracks

Family & Entertainment Track

Family & Lifestyle Track

An enjoyable space combining children's educational entertainment with a lively outdoor family atmosphere.

Program Highlights

Children's theater and competitions at Al-Ha'it Mall

Location

Al-Ha'it Mall, Date City, Buraydah

Timing

Dates: August 20 to September 9
From 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily

All Tracks

Arts & Culture Track

A Living Heritage… and a Beauty Renewed

A complete world of creativity… under one roof!

Step into the heart of the carnival's cultural and creative movement! The Events Tent is the daily destination combining authentic Najdi heritage with the latest technical solutions and global innovations in the world of dates.

Under one roof, move between technology and smart agriculture exhibitions, enjoy live culinary arts shows and innovative processed products like "Date Perfume," while experiencing authenticity in the Palm Museum and live craft and fine art exhibitions. All amid a vibrant atmosphere fueled by the live media studio, the flavors of Yamam Café, and the productive families market.

What Awaits You Inside the Tent

Innovation & Manufacturing Incubator

Explore modern extracts, agricultural technology exhibitions, and innovative processing solutions for dates.

Living Arts & Heritage

Watch artists and sculptors shaping palm trunks, and visit the Palm Art Studio and interactive museum.

Media Pulse & Live Broadcasting

Follow podcast recordings and live interviews at the dedicated studio in the middle of the tent.

Shopping & Hospitality

Taste the finest food and drinks at "Yamam Café," and pick up your souvenirs and premium dates.

Location

Main Events Tent Square

Timing

From August 20 to September 9
From 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM
From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

All Tracks

Tourism & Exploration Track

An enchanting exploratory journey aboard the tourist bus, connecting you directly to the historic pulse and cultural depth of Buraydah city.

We take you from the heart of "Date City" on a living journey through time — wandering the alleys of the historic Al-Jarda Market, exploring landmarks of heroism and history at the Al-Uqailat Museum, and arriving at tranquility amid palm orchards and heritage farms, accompanied by tour guides who narrate the story of the place and its people.

Program Highlights

Interactive tourist bus tours

Location

Departure point from Al-Nakhla Center

Timing

Departure time (4:30 PM)

All Tracks

Theatrical Arts & Knowledge Forums Track

King Khalid Cultural Center | The Stage of Culture and Passion for Knowledge

King Khalid Cultural Center is the distinguished cultural and intellectual destination of the Buraydah Carnival, where professional theatrical arts blend enchantingly with strategic scholarly symposiums and workshops.

Here you experience an exceptional visual and emotional journey through the main play, which narrates the epic story of the palm tree and people in Qassim throughout history — culminating in the celebration of success at the Golden Night.

What Awaits You on This Track

The Main Play (The Palm Tree Story)

A major dramatic and cinematic production created specifically for the carnival, narrating the history of the palm tree in a stunning artistic style across 5 public performances, from September 1 to September 5.

Golden Night (Closing Ceremony)

The grand official evening under the patronage of His Highness the Regional Governor, honoring the auction winners, the grand prize winner, and the carnival's partners.

Location

King Khalid Cultural Center (Main Theater and Prince Badr bin Abdulmohsen Hall)

Timing

Theatrical performances: 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM (September 1 to September 5)
Golden Night: the carnival's closing celebration (evening)

All Tracks

Guinness World Record

Date Carnival in Buraidah

The world's largest annual date carnival

Buraidah's date market has established itself as one of the most prestigious specialized markets in the world, as its history was documented by Arab and Western travelers who visited the Kingdom during its early founding stages. It has reached its current stage, where it aims to contribute to achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030 by diversifying income sources and making it the world's leading date exporter, with sales exceeding 2 billion riyals annually. The traveler Charles Huber mentioned in his book (Journey in Central Arabia), which he wrote during the period between 1878 and 1882, 140 years ago: "Buraidah is a large commercial center, but it only experiences its peak prosperity during the four months following the date harvest. At this time, it is often seen outside Buraidah, with more than a thousand Bedouin tents, coming to stock up on dates, wheat, rice, and the few fabrics they need."

This carnival is distinguished as the largest in the world, with annual sales exceeding 3,200,000,000 Saudi Riyals. It features a variety of date types, with more than thirty different varieties on display. This market is located on King Abdulaziz Road, south of Buraidah.

About

Learn More About Dates

Numbers and Statistics

Numbers and Statistics Global date production statistics National Center for Palms and Dates

200,823

Visitor Count of the Website

+ Date Types

+ Yearly Visitors

+ Stores & Exhibitions

Event Days

Media Center

Media Digest

The media digest is a daily summary published daily to present news and important events in the carnival.

Browse

Photo Library

Comprehensive photo library of all Buraidah Date Carnival events and activities

Browse

Our Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

About Buraidah Date Carnival

The Date Carnival is located south of Buraidah on King Abdulaziz Road in the Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia.

The market hours are divided into two periods: from 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

A seasonal market is held every year when dates ripen in the region, usually starting at the beginning of August and lasting for two to three months. This market is distinguished as the largest in the world in terms of supply. Its daily sales are estimated at 18,000,000 Saudi Riyals, and annual sales amount to 2,000,000,000 Saudi Riyals, with over thirty varieties of dates available. This market is located on King Abdul Aziz Road to the south in the city of Buraidah.

Yes, there are many activities and events for all ages.

The accompanying events of the carnival are held at the King Khalid Cultural Center in Buraidah.

Yes, the carnival offers a variety of food options including traditional foods, drinks, and fast food.

The carnival is usually held in August and lasts for 70 days, starting from 08/01.

The carnival is open to all for free, and there is no entrance fee.

Yes, visitors can buy various types of dates directly from the farmers and vendors participating in the carnival.

Yes, there are many parking spaces available near the carnival location, and directional signs will help guide you to them.

Certainly, the carnival welcomes families and offers a variety of activities and events suitable for all ages.

Yes, individuals interested in donating or participating can contact the carnival organizing committee for more details on how to contribute.

Tamer

Buraydah International Dates Carnival
Where the authenticity of the palm, the generosity of the land, and the spirit of the place

Carnival Moments

Your Journey Through the Capital of Dates

Auctions & Global Economy Track

Program Highlights

Empowerment & International Integration Track

Highlights of Al-Nakhla Center

Family & Entertainment Track

Program Highlights

Arts & Culture Track

What Awaits You Inside the Tent

Tourism & Exploration Track

Program Highlights

Theatrical Arts & Knowledge Forums Track

What Awaits You on This Track

Date Carnival in Buraidah

The world's largest annual date carnival

Numbers and Statistics

Media Center

Media Digest

Photo Library

Our Partners

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Date Carnival?

What are the market hours?

What is the Buraidah Date Carnival?

Are there special activities for children at the carnival?

Where are the accompanying events held?

Are there diverse food options at the carnival?

When is the Buraidah Date Carnival held?

Is there an entrance fee for the carnival?

Can I buy dates directly from the carnival?

Are there parking facilities at the carnival?

Can I attend the events with my family?

Can I donate or participate in the carnival?