Al Naghal Dates Harvest Kicks Off Early in Dima W'attayeen

Observer

05-05-2025

Strategically located in the heart of Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, the Wilayat of Dima W'attayeen heralds the arrival of the Al Qaidh (summer) season with an exciting milestone.
The first ripened Al Naghal dates have appeared on the horizon, signalling the start of the harvest in the village of Al Ghayyan, specifically on the farm of local resident Hamad bin Salim al Thekhri. This marks Dima W'attayeen as one of the earliest locations in Oman to see the prized dates brought to fruition, with markets across the sultanate of Oman — and even neighbouring countries — already eager to share in this seasonal bounty.
Oman's farmers hold their breath in anticipation of Al Qaidh, the season when Al Naghal palms produce their succulent first fruits. Typically beginning in May and stretching through September — occasionally spilling over into November — this period is vital for local agriculture. The harvest energises the economy, boosting incomes for farmers and invigorating trade flows within the region and beyond.
Hamad bin Nasser al Hasani, an experienced farmer and date marketer from the Wilayat of Dima W'attayeen, expressed pride in this seasonal milestone. 'The emergence of the first Al Naghal dates is a promising sign of a good harvest,' he explained. 'It's the fruit of meticulous care, from planting to harvest. Our wilayat continues to lead the way year after year.'
Al Naghal dates reach maturity in roughly 95 days, making them one of the earliest varieties to ripen. They are cultivated extensively across Dima W'attayeen's villages and have become a symbol of the region's agricultural heritage. Celebrated for their exquisite taste and rich nutritional profile, Al Naghal dates are considered among the finest in Oman. Alongside them, other early varieties — such as Qadami, Qash, and Miznaj — also make their debut, contributing to an early, abundant supply of fresh dates.
Mohammed bin Nasser al Busafi, a local trader deeply involved in the date market, highlighted the significance of the Al Naghal tree. 'This variety is a true emblem of Dima W'attayeen's identity,' he noted. 'It requires careful cultivation to maintain its high quality and the season offers farmers a valuable opportunity for profitable gains, which in turn helps uplift their standard of living.'
The region's unique geographical position, combined with its favourable climate — thanks to its proximity to the Tropic of Cancer and the Eastern Al Hajar Mountains — fosters the early ripening of dates. The local farmers have preserved time-honoured knowledge and skills passed down through generations, reinforcing the region's reputation as a hub of date cultivation.
At the start of the season, the prices for a single date can soar. For instance, local resident Said bin Hamoud al Hasani paid as much as RO 4 for just one date — an indication of the high demand and limited early-season supply. The elevated cost reflects the scarcity during the initial weeks of harvesting. As the season progresses and quantities increase, prices tend to decrease, making dates more accessible to all.
Traders often source dates from a variety of villages — including Sawt, Al Biyyadh, Al Ghubra, Aqda'a and Al Arjali — ensuring a steady flow of fresh produce to markets.
The early Al Qaidh harvest isn't merely a local event; it's a vital phase that bolsters food security, fosters self-sufficiency and provides lucrative opportunities for farmers and traders alike.
In essence, the early ripening of Al Naghal dates in Dima W'attayeen marks more than just the start of a season — it embodies Oman's deep-rooted agricultural tradition and its ongoing commitment to sustainable, prosperous farming.