Dates City

Saudi Arabia


Home of the world's biggest date festival, this is the largest date market on earth, and the complex resembles a small airport. At the height of the harvest (July to September), loud auctions are held here almost daily. It's close to Buraydah's historic date forest area, and farmers from all over come here to sell their product. Wander around, tasting the delicious variety of dates, but beware – if you want to buy some, they're sold by the kilo here!


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Saudi Arabia attractions

1. As Sabbakh Date Forest

0.38 MILES

Go wandering in Buraydah's historic date-growing neighbourhood. As you walk in the shade of tall palms, the desert grass brushing your feet, local…

2. Al Mudaifar Mosque

0.49 MILES

Surrounded by a forest of palms, this quaint little Najd mud mosque, with its tall round minaret and engraved wood door, truly evokes the Saudi Arabia of…

3. Buraydah Museum

2.94 MILES

Buraydah's city museum isn't one you are going to go out of your way to find. It's designed like a mini Najd fort, and has displays dominated by photos of…

4. Unaiza Date Market

14.19 MILES

The world's second-largest date market might forever be in the shadow of its illustrious neighbour in Buraydah, but it is still a great place to witness…

5. Al Musawkaf Market

15.43 MILES

Built on the site of an important traditional Najd market still functioning up until the 1970s, the Al Musawkaf market is set in a beautiful mock-castle…