Stalls set up as part of the dates exhibition at Souq Waqif. Pic: Mahmoud Elmazaty /the peninsula
DOHA: The fourth edition of the Souq Waqif International Dates Exhibition opened yesterday at the Eastern Square of Souq Waqif, bringing together regional exhibitors and visitors from across the world to showcase a wide range of dates and date-based products.
The exhibition features premium varieties and value-added products, including dry dates, date powder, date-seed coffee, cosmetics, diet-friendly items, and date-based spreads.
The event comes just weeks before the holy month of Ramadan, when demand for dates traditionally rises.
Photo by Mahmoud Elmazaty/ The Peninsula
Mohamed Abdullah Al-Salem, Head of the Old Markets Section at Souq Waqif, said to The Peninsula, “This year’s edition includes 57 companies from six countries.”
He encouraged the public to visit and sample the different varieties available, noting that “prices inside the exhibition are lower than those in external markets.”
Exhibitors from Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Algeria, the UAE and Kyrgyzstan are presenting high-quality products, positioning the exhibition as a convenient destination for Ramadan shopping.
Naama, a Qatar-based exhibitor, told The Peninsula that her stall focuses on homemade date products. “We offer healthy maamoul, dates and white (rolled) oats, and date balls. All items are made without added sugar or harmful ingredients, and we also provide gluten-free options,” she said.
Photo by Mahmoud Elmazaty/ The Peninsula
Sudanese participant Hossam El-Din highlighted innovative uses of dates, including date powder, date-seed coffee and nutritional supplements.
He added that their booth also displays cosmetic products such as date-seed powder for hair care and palm-seed powder used in soaps and skin masks.
Mohamed Shehata, manager of a Qatari dates company, said his company offers more than 10 varieties sourced from several countries. He noted that Arab consumers often prefer Ikhlas and Sukkari, while Medjool is popular among non-Arab customers. According to him, prices at the exhibition can be around 30% lower than market rates due to government support.
The opening day drew strong attendance from residents, citizens, and tourists. A Chinese visitor, Gim, who was in Doha on a business trip, said he was invited by a friend participating in the exhibition. “It’s a new experience for me. Dates are delicious and sweet but healthy,” he said.
Photo by Mahmoud Elmazaty/ The Peninsula
Over the years, the Souq Waqif dates exhibition has become a seasonal highlight, combining product diversity with competitive pricing in one of Doha’s most visited cultural destinations. Its timing ahead of Ramadan adds further relevance, as dates hold a central place on iftar tables.
The tradition of breaking the fast with dates is deeply rooted in Islamic practice, following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Beyond their religious significance, dates provide natural sugars, fibre, and essential nutrients, making them a practical source of energy after long periods of fasting.
