Riyadh: Buraidah is preparing to launch the Buraidah Dates Carnival on August 1. The event will run for 75 days through October 14. Considered the largest economic and agricultural event of its kind, the carnival strengthens the Kingdom's position as a global center for dates production and trade. According to Saudi Press Agency, the carnival's events will be held at several locations, including the Dates City (Palm Center), which serves as the hub of daily commercial activity for date sales and purchases, along with accompanying exhibitions. The Rifiyah farm will also host a tourism experience showcasing the agricultural heritage and rural identity of Qassim Region, in addition to cultural events. The carnival is the Kingdom's largest agricultural and commercial gathering of its kind. Annual production reaches 587,000 tons, making Qassim the Kingdom's leading date-producing region. The region is home to 12 million palm trees, while the carnival generates approximately SAR4 billion in annual economic return s and provides more than 4,000 direct and indirect job opportunities for young men and women. It also serves as an annual gathering for decision-makers and traders in the food and agriculture sector.