Where to Find the Best Dates in Al Hufuf

# The Ultimate Date Guide for Al Hufuf

Al-Ahsa, where Al Hufuf is located, is famous worldwide for producing the highest quality dates. Here's your guide to buying and enjoying them.

Where to Buy

Qaisariah Souq

The historic market is the best place for authentic date shopping:

Dozens of date vendors

Traditional atmosphere

Better prices than supermarkets

Expert sellers who know their products

**Tips**: Go in the morning for freshest selection. Bargaining is expected!

Date Farms

Some farms sell directly to visitors:

See where dates are grown

Often cheaper than markets

Can arrange bulk purchases

Educational experience for families

Supermarkets

Modern convenience:

Panda, Danube, Lulu all stock dates

Pre-packaged, quality controlled

Fixed prices

Good for trying different varieties

Top Date Varieties to Try

Khalas (خلاص)

Taste: Sweet, caramel-like

Texture: Soft, melts in mouth

Best for: Eating fresh, coffee accompaniment

Price: Premium (80-120 SAR/kg)

Reziz (رزيز)

Taste: Very sweet, rich

Texture: Soft and moist

Best for: Gifts, special occasions

Price: Premium (70-100 SAR/kg)

Shishi (شيشي)

Taste: Moderately sweet

Texture: Firm, slightly dry

Best for: Snacking, cooking

Price: Mid-range (40-60 SAR/kg)

Barhi (برحي)

Taste: Sweet, crunchy when fresh

Texture: Unique crunchy to soft

Best for: Fresh eating

Price: Mid-range (50-70 SAR/kg)

Seasonal Guide

Early Season (Aug-Sep): Barhi, Rutab (fresh soft dates)

Peak Season (Sep-Oct): All varieties available

Year-round: Dried/stored dates always available

How to Select Quality Dates

Color: Should be glossy, rich in color

Texture: Not too dry or hard

Smell: Sweet, not fermented

Size: Uniform, plump

Packaging: Clean, no insects

Price Ranges (2026)

Premium varieties: 70-120 SAR/kg

Mid-range: 40-70 SAR/kg

Standard: 20-40 SAR/kg

Bulk/cooking dates: 10-20 SAR/kg

Gift Ideas

Dates make excellent gifts:

Elegant gift boxes: 100-300 SAR

Traditional baskets: 80-200 SAR

Premium single-variety boxes: 150-500 SAR

Available at Qaisariah Souq and date specialty shops.

Storing Dates

Fresh dates: Refrigerate, consume within 2 weeks

Semi-dry dates: Room temperature, sealed container, 1-2 months

Dried dates: Cool, dry place, 6-12 months

Freezing: Extends life to 1-2 years

Traditional Ways to Enjoy

With Arabic coffee: Classic pairing

With Arabic bread and butter: Simple breakfast

In desserts: Date ma'amoul, date cake

Stuffed: With nuts, cream cheese

In smoothies: Natural sweetener

Fun Facts

Al-Ahsa has over 2.5 million date palms

Produces 100,000+ tons of dates annually

Over 30 different date varieties grown here

UNESCO recognized the oasis in 2018

Dates have been grown here for 6,000+ years

Visit Al Hufuf during date season for the freshest selection!

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*Updated: February 2026*

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