The Ministry of Municipality has announced that nearly 108,000 kilograms of locally grown fresh dates (Ruttab) were sold during the first nine days of the 11th Local Fresh Dates Festival at Souq Waqif, reflecting strong public demand for Qatari agricultural products.

Organized in collaboration with Souq Waqif Management, the festival attracted more than 61,000 visitors from its opening on July 25 through the ninth day. According to the ministry, this marks a record level of attendance, with visitors supporting local farms by purchasing fresh dates grown in Qatar.

Sales were led by the Khalas variety, with 44,247 kilograms sold. It was followed by Shishi with 22,780 kilograms, Khunaizi with 21,118 kilograms, and Barhi with 11,892 kilograms. The remaining date varieties recorded combined sales of 7,962 kilograms, highlighting growing interest in a wide range of locally produced fresh dates.

The festival provides expanded exhibition space for participating Qatari farms, allowing them to showcase premium fresh date varieties alongside a selection of seasonal fruits. Visitors can also enjoy daily competitions, family-friendly cultural and awareness activities, and educational events, including a symposium organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Endowments focusing on the rules of palm and fruit Zakat.

Alongside the festival, the Ministry of Municipality continues to organize sales and marketing initiatives to make locally produced fresh dates more accessible across Qatar during the harvest season.

The ministry also reported that since the start of the dates season, 5.232 tonnes of fresh dates and 370 kilograms of other fruits have been sold through dedicated sales points at Doha Festival City, Villaggio Mall, and Landmark Mall, with the participation of 24 Qatari farms.