This winter, one of Saudi Arabia’s most beloved ingredients gets its own playground. From November 25 to December 4, the World of Dates exhibition at King Saud University in Riyadh turns the humble date into the star of a ten‑day festival of tastings, workshops, and family‑friendly experiences.
Running daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., the exhibition welcomes visitors into a curated “dates village,” where producers from across the Kingdom showcase everything from premium Sukari and Khulas to Medjool and Barni varieties. Entry is free with advance reservation via the webook app, making it an easy after‑work or weekend stop for families, food lovers, and anyone curious about how dates are being reimagined for the modern table.
A marketplace of flavors
At the heart of the event is an expansive bazaar featuring dozens of stands from local and regional producers, each offering their own take on quality, origin, and flavor. Visitors can sample plain dates, filled dates, chocolate‑coated dates, date syrups, spreads, and snacks that rethink how the fruit can be eaten throughout the day. For many exhibitors, the World of Dates is also a chance to introduce new branding and packaging that positions dates as premium gifts, everyday pantry staples, and even wellness products.
Beyond retail, the exhibition spotlights the wider ecosystem around palms and dates. The National Center for Palms and Dates plays a central organizing role, linking farmers, exporters, and innovators, and aligning the event with the International Dates Conference and Riyadh’s ambitions to be a global trading hub for the fruit.
Live kitchens and chef‑led experiences
One of the most popular features is the live cooking area, where local and international chefs lead demonstrations on how to incorporate dates into both sweet and savory dishes. Expect everything from updated takes on traditional Saudi desserts to modern pastries, smoothies, glazes, and sauces that use dates as a natural sweetener.
Workshops and training sessions give home cooks and professionals a chance to learn new techniques, discover pairing ideas (think dates with specialty coffee, cheeses, or spices), and explore healthier alternatives to refined sugar. For visitors, it’s a reminder that dates are not just a pantry classic but also a flexible ingredient for contemporary cooking.
Family‑friendly and photogenic
World of Dates is designed with families in mind. The layout includes interactive zones, photo spots, and educational corners that explain the journey of the date—from palm to plate—in clear, accessible ways. Children can see and touch different varieties, learn about cultivation and harvesting seasons, and understand why dates are central to Saudi identity and hospitality.
Evening timings, combined with the outdoor‑friendly weather and atmospheric lighting, make the exhibition an easy add‑on to other winter events in Riyadh, including Riyadh Season and nearby festivals. The venue at King Saud University also makes it a convenient stop for students and residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Beyond being a fun night out, World of Dates reflects a bigger story: Saudi Arabia’s push to elevate dates from a traditional staple to a strategic export and innovation platform. By bringing farmers, brands, chefs, and consumers together in one place, the exhibition acts as a live laboratory for how the Kingdom wants the world to see one of its most iconic products.
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