The Annual Palm Dates Festival in Al-Ahsa

The Annual Palm Dates Festival in Al-Ahsa has become synonymous with the region’s association with dates.

Since 2014, this festival has celebrated the primary product of Al-Ahsa – the palm tree – gaining even greater prominence after Al-Ahsa’s inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).

The festival has experienced a significant upswing in terms of both visitor numbers and the diversity of activities, attributed to the active involvement of craft and folk arts, along with contributions from cultural activities like design and fine arts.

This transformation is marked by increased participation from both the public and private sectors, as well as civil societies. An eye-catching booth dedicated to the Creative Al-Ahsa team has become a staple at this major city event.

The festival’s impact extends beyond the event itself, translating into larger revenues that support artisan families, greater involvement of unscreened female participants in the dates industry and festival activities, heightened public awareness about UCCN objectives, and a broader understanding of the pivotal role of culture and creativity in regional sustainable development efforts.