10 Best Types of Dates in Saudi Arabia

There are around 3,000 types of dates in the world but Saudi Dates are known to be the best dates; it is one of the best fruit to eat. There are different types of dates available in the Saudi market, such as Ajwa, Safawi, Khudri, or amber dates, and therefore, choosing one of them could be a difficult decision.

• 6 fruits mentioned in the Holy Quran.

For the connoisseurs who might want to experience most of the Saudi Dates available, here are the 10 most sought-after types of dates with pictures.

Best Types of Dates in Saudi Arabia

1. Ajwa Dates

Dates are the best fruit to eat and Ajwa dates are the best among all the varieties of dates. The Ajwa dates are sweet and smooth. It is undoubtedly one of the best dates in the world among all the types of dates available.

According to a Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Ajwa khajoor has healing properties, and it is also said that those who consume 7 Ajwa dates in the morning will be safe from poison and magic until the evening.

Ajwa dates are also considered one of the most expensive dates in the world, although they are not that expensive in Saudi Arabia.

• Price of Ajwa Dates in Saudi Arabia: SR 35 – SR 100/kg.
• Recommended: 8 Benefits of Eating Ajwa Dates

2. Amber Dates

Amber is larger than other types of dates and is the favorite of many date lovers as they have a smaller seed and more fruit. These dates contain protein, are brown in color, and are one of the best dates to eat in the world.

If you plan to get a premium gift for your loved ones back home, a pack of Ambar Dates could be perfect.

Moreover, Ambar dates are considered one of the most expensive dates in the world, although they are not that expensive in Saudi Arabia.

• Price of Amber Dates in Saudi Arabia: SR 50 – SR 100/kg.

3. Safawi Dates

Safawi dates are usually black in color and packed with vitamins. This date type is generally cultivated in Madina and is of soft texture.

These types of dates also have healing properties attributed to them and therefore, they are considered one of the best dates to eat in the world. It is reported that if Safawi dates are consumed on an empty stomach, they can kill any stomach worms present.

There are three classifications of dates; dry, semi-dry, and soft; safawi dates are of the semi-dry type.

• Recommended: 7 Health Benefits of Safawi Dates

4. Barhi Dates – Yellow type of date

The name Barhi is derived from Arabic meaning “a hot wind.”  Barhi Date belongs to a different type of date group as it is known to be yellow in color and has a crunchy texture. When the fruit is ripe, it tastes like brown sugar or caramel.

Barhi Dates are one of those types of dates that are sold with the thin branches attached (see the picture below). Yellow Barhi dates are a rich source of fiber, iron, potassium, B vitamins, flavonoids, and antioxidants. 

Barhi Dates are cultivated in Saudi Arabia; however, the best dates to eat of this type is found in Basra, Iraq. People who do not like sweet dates rank Barhi dates among the best dates to eat in the world.

Barhi dates are considered one of the most expensive dates in the world, although they are not that expensive in Saudi Arabia.

• Price of Barhi Dates in Saudi Arabia: SR 20 – SR 50/kg.

5. Saghai Dates

Saghai is one of the best dates to eat out of numerous types of dates cultivated in the Riyadh region. It also has a crisp texture, making it a little crunchy.

The Saghai dates are of light yellow to brown color. Although the texture may appear to be wrinkled, they never flake.

It is one of those types of Saudi dates that are mild in sweetness, yet due to the combination of crisp and softness, they are one of the best dates to eat.

6. Khudri Dates

Khudri Date is of dark brown color and has a dry texture. Like all other dates, this type of date is also sweet. Even though it is one of the best dates to eat, diabetic patients avoid it owing to the high amount of sugar.

Khudri dates are one of the most exported types of dates due to their reasonable prices and their freshness (see picture below). This Saudi date is ideal if you want to feel energized and refreshed.

• Recommended: 10 health benefits of Khudri dates

7. Sukkari Dates

The name of Sukkari dates is derived from “Sukkur” which in Arabic means Sugar. As the name suggests, like many other types of dates, they are lovely to eat and people who like desserts treat Sukkari as one of the best dates to eat.

Sukkari date is cultivated in the Al Qaseem region. They are of crisp texture and sweet to taste. This type of date is used to prevent tooth decay, lower cholesterol, and eliminate fatigue.

Sukkari date is one of those types which is eaten fresh and in dry form. People who like to eat hard dates prefer Sukkari in dry form. It is one of the widely used date fruit in South Asia.

8. Zahidi Dates

Zahidi Dates have a golden color and is oval in shape. The skin is thick and has a dry texture with high fiber content, making it the best dates fruit. In contrast to Medjool dates which are high in sugar, Zahidi dates are one of those types which contain considerably low sugar content.

As you know, many types of dates are soft in texture but Zahidi dates are known as the “butter date” for their light flavor and pale tan color (see picture below). 

9. Medjool Dates

Medjool was known as the Queen of dates; they are large and have a strong flavor and soft texture. It is one of those dates often used to make smoothies and can be served all year round.

Medjool dates are high in calcium and iron; one serving also provides you 20% of your daily dietary fiber. Considering the high level of sweetness in Medjool dates, diabetic patients try to avoid it; nevertheless, they are one of the best dates to eat.

Moreover, Medjool dates are considered one of the most expensive dates in the world, although they are not that expensive in Saudi Arabia.

• Price of Barhi Dates in Saudi Arabia: SR 25 – SR 70/kg.
• Recommended: 10 Health Benefits of Medjool Dates

10. Kholas Dates

Kholas dates are considered one of the best dates produced in Saudi Arabia. This caramel-flavored date type is usually consumed with Arabic coffee and has a sticky texture.

They are one of the best types of Saudi dates to eat with a cup of Arabic Coffee. This type originates from Al Kharj and Qaseem regions.

Where can we buy the best types of dates in KSA?

After reading about the types of dates available in Saudi Arabia, you must be craving to eat some of them, as Saudi dates are considered the best in the world.

If you want to buy any date in Saudi Arabia, the best place is the different markets of Madina. We have given the map location of some renowned markets where you can buy almost every type and quality of dates.

King Faisal Road

If you want to buy dates cheaper than what is available in the shops around Masjid al Nabawi, you can go across King Faisal Road near Madina Parking Space and buy almost every type of date available in Saudi Arabia as they are a bit away from Madina, so their rates are cheaper.

• Dates Shops Location.

Mount Uhud

Every Muslim who visits Madina comes to Mount Uhud as it is one of the most frequently Ziyarat places in Madina. You can find almost every type of date we have mentioned above from the temporary shops around the place.

• Mount Uhud Location.

Dates and the Culture of Saudi Arabia

Dates are an integral part of Saudi culture as it is part of their daily diet. You will find Saudis and generally Arabs eating dates on the following two occasions.

• In almost every office in Saudi Arabia, Arabic qahwa is presented to guests along with different types of dates. Saudis drink Arabic qahwa almost every single day along with dates.
• During Ramadan, the consumption of dates increases by many folds. Every Muslim in the world loves to break the fast with dates as it is a Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Top 10 Dates Producing Countries in the World

As we have already discussed different types of dates produced, consumed and sold in Saudi Arabia, it is time to know the well-known countries in creating dates. 8.5 million tons of dates are produced worldwide, and here are the top 10 date-producing countries.

1. Egypt

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Egypt is at the top of the countries producing dates. Egypt has around 1.7 million tons of dates annually, making up around 20% of world production. The most common type of dates is Hayany and Zaghloul.

2. Iran

Iran is number 2 among the top dates producing countries, with 1.1 million tons of annual production. Around 13% of dates consumed worldwide are made in Iran. The most commonly produced dates in Iran are Mazafati dates.

3. Algeria

Algeria produces 1 million tons of dates annually, standing on the third number after Iran. Thoory, Iteema, and Deglet Noor are primarily produced in Algeria. They have a production share of around 12% in the whole world.

4. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is ranked number 4 among the dates producing countries worldwide, with around 1 million tons of production. Although Saudi Arabia is ranked number 4 in the quality of dates, the dates produced in Saudi Arabia are considered the best in the world.

Its well-known production includes Ajwah, which is well known and has many benefits. Besides Ajwa, Khubaizi, Khalash, Rotab, and Madjool are the dates produced in Saudi Arabia. Around 11% of the dates eaten worldwide are made in Saudi Arabia.

5. UAE

After Saudi Arabia, next comes the UAE among dates producing countries. UAE has about 671,000 tons of dates. The most famous types of dates produced in the UAE are Dabbas, Lulu, and Khenaizi.

6. Iraq

Iraq comes after the UAE, which produces around 615,000 tons of dates annually. Khastawi, Amir Hajj, and Dayri are primarily produced in Iraq.

7. Pakistan

Although Middle Eastern countries occupy the list of top dates producing countries, Pakistan is the only South-Eastern country with around 500,000 tons of production.

8. Sudan

Sudan produces 439,000 tons of dates, including Bireir, Barkawi, and Abid Rahman.

9. Oman

Every year Oman produces 348,000 tons of dates. The most famous type of date created in Oman is “Fard.”

10. Tunisia

With 241,000 tons of date production, Tunisia is the biggest exporter of dates. The most commonly produced dates type in Tunisia is Deglet Noor, Touzerzayet, Kenta, and Ftimi.