Latest news with #NationalCenterforPalmsandDates
Arab News
17-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia's date exports rise 15.9% in 2024, reaching $451m
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's date exports saw a 15.9 percent year-on-year increase in 2024, reaching SR1.695 billion ($451.7 million), according to newly released data from the National Center for Palms and Dates. In the same year, the Kingdom produced more than 1.9 million tonnes of dates, underscoring its significant role in the global date industry, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Home to over 33 million palm trees—representing approximately 27 percent of the world's total—Saudi Arabia maintains around 123,000 palm agricultural holdings across the country, further solidifying its position as a global leader in date production. Looking ahead, the global date market is expected to grow from $120 million in 2023 to $220 million by 2032, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 5.22 percent, according to Market Research Future. The SPA statement said: 'Saudi dates have achieved notable expansion across global markets, reaching consumers in 133 countries. The export value represents a 15.9 percent increase compared to 2023.' It added: 'The growth is attributed to sustained efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of Saudi dates and broadening their global marketing presence, highlighting the increasing importance of the palm and date sector in bolstering the national economy and diversifying revenue streams.' The Kingdom's date industry has undergone a remarkable transformation since the launch of Vision 2030 in 2016 — a strategic initiative aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia's non-oil economy. According to recent data, the value of Saudi date exports has surged by 192.5 percent over the past eight years, reflecting an impressive compound annual growth rate of 12.7 percent. This upward trajectory underscores Saudi Arabia's continued progress in establishing itself as a key player in the global date market, while also highlighting the sector's growing role in contributing to global food security. The sector's success can be attributed to the unwavering support of the Kingdom's leadership, recognizing the palm and date industry as a cornerstone of Saudi heritage and cultural identity. This support is complemented by the collaborative efforts of producers, exporters, and government agencies working to streamline export processes and expand international market reach through strategic partnerships with the private sector. The cultural and economic importance of dates is symbolized by the inclusion of a date palm flanked by crossed swords in the Saudi national emblem. As a symbol of Arab hospitality and a staple in the daily lives of Saudis, the fruit holds deep-rooted significance in the Kingdom. In recent years, a range of local and international initiatives have helped elevate the market value of Saudi dates. Notably, the establishment of the National Center for Palms and Dates and the International Dates Council—which brings together 11 date-producing countries—reflects the Kingdom's leadership in shaping the future of the global date industry.
Zawya
19-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudia Cargo: Date shipments surge 64%, reaching over 45 global destinations
As the month of Ramadan unites millions worldwide, Saudia Cargo plays a vital role in delivering this authentic symbol to their tables year-round. By connecting Saudi farms with international markets, Saudia Cargo ensures these products arrive with the highest levels of quality and efficiency. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest date producers, with an annual output exceeding 1.6 million tons. Saudi dates are renowned for their high quality and heritage, representing an integral part of Saudi culture as a symbol of generosity and hospitality. Saudia Cargo leverages its extensive global network to transport dates to over 45 international destinations, this ensures dates reach global markets quickly and with the utmost care, adhering to the highest quality standards. Date exports via Saudia Cargo's network witnessed a remarkable 64% growth in 2024 compared to 2023, totaling nearly 1.5 million kilograms. This reflects the increasing global demand for this exceptional product, sourced from various regions and cities across the Kingdom, including Al Ahsa, Riyadh, Qassim, and Madinah, known for producing premium date varieties. Saudia Cargo's advanced technology supports Saudi exporters in efficiently delivering their products to international markets. The company utilizes state-of-the-art cold chain technologies, ensuring the quality of dates is maintained throughout their journey from farms to global markets. This is further enhanced by its extensive network spanning Europe, Asia, and North America, enabling rapid transit times and boosting the competitiveness of Saudi dates in the global market. Saudia Cargo aligns with national sustainability initiatives, integrating with the plans of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and the National Center for Palms and Dates. This includes supporting initiatives to cultivate and improve palm productivity in the Kingdom, with over 37 million palm trees distributed across all regions, enhancing Saudi Arabia's ability to export its products to global markets and contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector and communities. As global demand for dates continues to rise, Saudia Cargo remains committed to enhancing its investments in smart logistics and sustainable transportation solutions to support Saudi exporters and achieve operational efficiency. In line with ambitious efforts to elevate the position of Saudi products globally, dates represent a successful model of a thriving agricultural sector driving the Saudi economy towards diversification and sustainability. About Saudia Cargo: Saudia Cargo stands as a leading national cargo carrier, headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Leveraging the strategic advantage of the country's location, it serves as a highly efficient aerial bridge connecting the East and the West, seamlessly bridging continents. Our extensive reach encompasses approximately 100 airport destinations and 250 customer destinations across four continents, establishing us as a pivotal player in the global air cargo industry. With a legacy spanning over seven decades and a commitment to a 'human-first' approach, Saudia Cargo has consistently upheld its esteemed reputation as one of the world's most dynamic cargo carriers. This reputation is underpinned by a rich history of innovation and resilience. Our robust alliance with SkyTeam Cargo, the world's largest consortium of air cargo carriers, connects us to an impressive network of 150 freighter destinations in addition to nearly 800 passenger destinations worldwide. Saudia Cargo's access to a modern fleet of Boeing freighter aircraft expedites the transportation of diverse cargo types, including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, high-value shipments, hazardous materials, and perishables. The company's enduring dedication to humanity, reliability, and agility has been instrumental in driving its remarkable growth trajectory, which continues to expand significantly. For further information, please visit For Saudia Cargo media inquiries please contact: Fahad Alzahrani Saudi Airlines Cargo Company Manager PR & External Communication Tel: +966 55 577 7243 Email: falzahrani@
Arab News
09-03-2025
- Business
- Arab News
KAUST develops robotic system to Improve date palm harvesting
RIYADH: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is developing a new robotic system designed to automate date palm harvesting. The related research, led by KAUST Assistant Prof. Shinkyu Park, focuses on automating key processes in date farming, such as harvesting, pollination and tree maintenance through artificial intelligence-powered robotics, and promises to produce larger yields of more nutritious dates. In a press release, Park said the study sees the robots starting as apprentices and gradually honing their skills in date farming routines, quickly becoming experts. Park aims to have his robotic farmers handle dates of various sizes and firmness while maximizing the harvest rate. By operating and collecting data, the robots will improve their productivity by enhancing their capabilities for many of the tasks associated with date farming. Field trials are scheduled to begin during the 2025 harvest season, with full operational capability expected within three years. Park suggested that a robots-as-a-service business model, in which companies offer the use of their robots on a subscription contract basis, could allow smaller farmers to benefit from the technology without the burden of purchasing the robots outright. 'We are developing robotics technologies that support national interests. Our cost-effective automation solutions for the date palm industry are just one example,' Park added. According to the press release, the robotic arms of the system will be able to move as quickly as a human farmer while precisely picking each date without damage — to itself or the fruit. By equipping them with high-precision visual sensors, the robotic farmers can distinguish individual dates, flowers, and tree structures to execute various farming tasks like harvesting, spraying, and pruning, which ensures the health, productivity, and longevity of the trees and reduces the risk of pest infestations and diseases. Dates have been central to the Saudi diet for thousands of years. It is a major food product, with the value of date exports by the Kingdom increasing 10 percent between 2023 and 2024 and another 10 percent between 2023 and 2024, according to the press release. The project is just one of many at KAUST that will benefit date farming and food security. At the end of 2024, the National Center for Palms and Dates signed an agreement to fund SR100 million ($25 million) to KAUST for innovations in the data sector 'I'm excited that this initiative extends beyond engineering solutions and cultivates research and development opportunities for local talent, contributing to the long-term sustainable educational and economic growth of the Kingdom,' Park said.
