RIYADH — In the heart of Al-Ula, where history and nature intertwine, vast palm groves have shaped the region's identity for centuries. Covering more than 16,500 hectares, these groves annually yield over 116,000 tons of dates — an essential part of both local life and Ramadan traditions across Saudi Arabia. The region is home to more than 3.1 million date palms, with the harvest season stretching from mid-August to October. Among the many varieties grown here, Barni dates are the most prized, making up 80 percent of the annual yield. These dates are enjoyed locally and exported worldwide, preserved carefully to maintain their quality year-round. But in Al-Ula, farming is more than a livelihood — it's a legacy. Before dawn, local farmer Suleiman Mohammed Abdulkarim begins his day caring for the palm trees his family has nurtured for generations. For him, the land is more than just a source of income; it's a connection to his ancestors and a way of life he hopes to pass on to his children. Beyond dates, Al-Ula's fertile land produces citrus fruits, wheat, barley, frankincense and mangoes, reflecting the region's agricultural richness. During Ramadan, these homegrown ingredients fill tables as families gather under the palms to break their fast with dates and water, followed by traditional meals made from the land's bounty. Local farming traditions continue to be supported through initiatives like the Al-Ula Dates Festival, which celebrates the harvest, and programs that offer training, markets and resources to farmers. Different farming projects in Al-Ula have also promoted sustainable farming practices and improved crop quality. For Al-Ula's people, Ramadan is not just a season of fasting and reflection — it's a time to reconnect with the land and honor the traditions that have shaped their community for generations. As families share meals beneath the palms, they're not just preserving an agricultural practice — they're keeping a way of life alive.
