Latest news with #Khalas
Khaleej Times
27-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: How dates worth millions of dirhams pass through this port to iftar tables around the world
When families around the world break their fast during Ramadan, there is a high probability that the dates on their iftar table passed through Dubai's Jebel Ali port. With its technology, infrastructure and central location, the UAE has emerged as a hub for date export. In 2023, the country exported the equivalent to approximately Dh1.19 billion worth of dates, making it the world's second-largest exporter. The Jebel Ali port handles 60 percent of the country's date trade — with more than 10 major exporters using the facility to consolidate dates from the GCC and Levant for markets in Asia and East Africa. Every year, demand for dates surges ahead of the holy month, from across North Africa and Europe to Asia. Figures show that the demand for dates is seasonal, with the export figures from the UAE in December 2024 being 9 times higher than that of July 2024. The export volume has remained strong in the months leading up to Ramadan. Consumer preferences According to some reports, consumers — especially in the Western markets — are incerasingly looking for organically and ethically sourced varieties of dates. Meanwhile, in Asia, bulk shipments remain the norm whereas in the GCC, high-quality, traditionally cultivated dates are the top priority for buyers. In the UAE, varieties like Khalas, with its chewy caramel flavor; Barhi which can be consumed fresh or dried and Khenaizi, with its firm texture, continue to be popular. A market report found that health-conscious customers are turning to dates as a healthy alternative to sugary treats. Packed with essential fibers, vitamins, and minerals, dates are becoming increasingly popular as a snack. Products made with date sugar are also gaining popularity. Exporters According to figures, the major exporters of dates include UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Algeria, Iran and Tunisia in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region. Other major producers of dates include Sindh and Balochistan in Pakistan and California in USA, which mainly produces Medjool dates. The global dates market, worth $31 billion in 2024, is set to hit $49 billion by 2032. The Middle East and Africa lead the trade with an 85% share, while the US is seeing rapid growth, driven by a shift toward healthier eating habits. Role of Dubai There are several reasons why Dubai has emerged as such an important hub for date export. Moving perishables requires careful planning. Jebel Ali Port plays a crucial role with its cold storage facilities and streamlined customs processes, ensuring dates remain fresh and reach global markets on time, especially during peak seasons. The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) provides a strategic base for processing, packaging, and export operations. DP World's integrated land and sea transport solutions have enhanced supply chain efficiency by 20 percent, with the company's logistics arm moving large-scale shipments of dates across six months from September, leading up to Ramadan. The facility is also fully equipped to deal with future challenges. Automation in handling perishables, greater investments in cold storage, and the adoption of eco-friendly packaging will help meet global environmental goals and drive efficiency. As demand continues to rise, Dubai remains a vital link in this centuries-old trade, connecting producers to consumers worldwide.
Khaleej Times
25-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
How a humble courtyard iftar outshines Dubai's flashiest Ramadan tents
One of Dubai's most memorable iftars isn't plated at a luxury buffet or served in a grand hotel hall. It's shared cross-legged on a carpet, beneath the stars, in a historic courtyard where the food is traditional and the conversations are transformative — an experience that lingers long after the last cup of gahwa is poured. Each evening during Ramadan, as five-star hotels across the city compete with elaborate buffets and dazzling ambience, a more grounded and authentic experience unfolds in the heart of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Inside a 150-year-old wind tower, the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) hosts an iftar that continues to hold its own, and, for many, surpasses the city's glitzier options. Long before the call to Maghrib prayer echoes through the alleyways, scores of guests from across the globe settle cross-legged on carpets, shoulder-to-shoulder, in a courtyard packed with people and stories. The seating is simple: traditional cushions, low tables, lanterns, and retro décor that transports visitors back in time. The atmosphere is immersive. 'This is my third iftar since arriving in Dubai, and while the hotel ones were impressive, nothing comes close to this,' said a tourist from Germany. 'There's something real and human about sitting on the floor with strangers and learning about the culture this way.' The evening begins with hosts Noura and Hamad, dressed in traditional Emirati attire, welcoming guests and offering a brief introduction to Islamic beliefs and Ramadan customs. As the sun sets, everyone breaks their fast with Khalas dates and crispy sambosas, followed by small handle-less cups of gahwa, Arabic coffee flavoured with saffron and cardamom. 'The cups are called finjan,' Noura explains with a smile. 'They're never filled to the brim, because in our tradition, a full cup means you want the guest to leave. And if you want more coffee, just extend your hand with the cup. If you're done, shake it slightly, of course, when it's empty.' Noura also explains that the Khalas variety of dates is prized for its sweetness, which is why Emiratis often don't add sugar to their coffee. 'The coffee itself is light and fragrant, meant to complement the dates.' Dinner is a hearty spread of traditional Emirati dishes, served buffet-style. Guests dig into chicken machboos, lamb tharid, and vegetable salona. The spirit of Arab hospitality is unmistakable: warm, generous, and communal. After the meal, guests are taken on a short, guided tour of a nearby mosque, where they gain deeper insight into Islamic practices. The evening ends with rooftop desserts — umm ali, luqaimat, and tea — alongside cultural games and live cooking. One of the most engaging segments is the open Q&A session. No question is off limits. Noura and Hamad answer everything from religious customs to everyday traditions with candour and humour. 'Why do most Emirati women wear black abayas while men wear white kandouras?' a curious guest asks. 'It's not religious, just tradition,' Noura replies, before walking guests through a live demonstration of traditional Emirati attire. She showcases a sheila, the elegant black headscarf, and a richly embroidered dress often worn beneath the abaya. Then, holding up a metallic-looking mask, she captures everyone's attention. 'It looks like metal, but it's actually made of delicate fabric and it's called burqa or burghu' she explains. 'Bedouin women used to wear it to signal they were married. These days, you'll mostly see young women wear it for selfies.' She goes on to explain the practical roots of the abaya. 'In the past, women owned just two or three dresses. The abaya acted as an extra layer to protect their clothes from fading in the sun, and it helped preserve modesty, too.' Hamad chimes in to explain the men's attire. 'The white kandoura, also called dishdasha, is practical for the heat. And this black cord on my head called an agal was used to tie the front legs of camels so they wouldn't wander away.' The SMCCU iftar costs Dh180 per person, but the experience it offers is priceless. For over 25 years, the centre has played a vital role in bridging cultural gaps between UAE nationals and the country's vast expatriate population, under the motto 'Open Doors. Open Minds.' 'Our Ramadan experience is more than just a meal,' says Hamad. 'It's a chance for people to connect, learn, and understand one another a little better. That's what this month and this country is all about.'
Observer
15-03-2025
- Health
- Observer
Why dates hold a special place in the Arab world
Dates—those enchanting fruits, cherished primarily in the Arab world, are bursting with remarkable medicinal benefits. They serve as a daily vitamin supplement and are especially popular during the holy month of Ramadhan. Following the tradition of the Prophet Mohammed (May Peace Be Upon Him), who broke his fast with a simple dry date alongside friends, Muslims worldwide share this time-honoured practice when breaking their fast. In essence, dates are nature's treasure trove, filled with nutrients that promote robust health. They are particularly beneficial for maintaining strong bones, packed with copper, magnesium, selenium, and manganese, along with a good amount of calcium—making them excellent for the health of both bones and teeth. Let us introduce you to Bappan Kutty Haji, a dedicated vendor of dates and date products for the past 28 years, starting his journey at the historic Mawaleh Central Fruits and Vegetable Market and now thriving at Silal Market in Barka. Hailing from Areekkulam in Kerala's Malappuram district, Haji has established himself as a veritable authority on dates. When asked about different varieties, their nutritional content, and medicinal values, he becomes animated, effortlessly sharing his extensive knowledge. 'By demand, Khalas is the most popular variety of date in Oman. Other noteworthy types include Khaneeji, Battashi, and Kasab. Additionally, we enjoy varieties such as Lulu, Makhsili, Khudri, Safawi, Sagai, Mabroom, Ajwa, Fardh, Khalas, and Sukkari,' he shares, illuminating his expertise. While Sagai and Khudri dates predominantly hail from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the Safawi dates hold a special place in the hearts of Omanis. Makhsili is often transformed into dry dates in various Asian countries, where they are sun-dried to perfection. Khaneeji dates are recognised for their sweetness, while Barni and Fardh are milder options suitable for those with diabetes. Other imported varieties such as Sakkai, Sagai, and the medicinal Ajwa also grace our markets, alongside the larger Majdool and Iran's Zahidi, each adding unique flavour to the local scene. 'The date industry in Oman is flourishing, not only catering to local palates but also exporting to countries like India. However, local production is currently insufficient, and it's crucial that farmers receive the support needed to focus on date cultivation; we must also attract the younger generation to this vital agricultural pursuit. The government's initiative, the One Million Date Programme, promises to significantly bolster date farming,' Haji explains, recounting his journey from the Seeb market to his present venture at Silal market. He emphasises the myriad medicinal properties that dates offer, advocating for their daily consumption to reap substantial health benefits. 'If you suffer from colds or allergies, incorporating dates into your daily diet can enhance your immune system, helping ward off such ailments. They aid in controlling cholesterol levels, supporting weight loss, and even regulating melanin production in the skin, providing anti-ageing benefits. Truly, the medicinal virtues of dates are boundless,' Haji concludes, proudly representing his Omani brand, Assafa Dates, which is well-regarded in the market.
CairoScene
21-02-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Saudi Arabia to Send 700 Tonnes of Dates to 102 Countries for Ramadan
The dates are part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Gift Program. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Call, and Guidance is shipping 700 tonnes of dates to 102 countries ahead of Ramadan. This is 200 tonnes larger than last year's shipment of dates. These dates, which are part of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Gift Program, will be sent through the ministry's attachés at embassies to arrive in time for the holy month. Dates have long been central to Ramadan traditions, with Saudi Arabia being one of the world's largest producers. Al-Qassim and Al Madina are known for high quality varieties like Ajwa, Sukkari, and Khalas, which are all widely consumed during the month, as they are typically the first food eaten to break the fast.
