Al-khabra: The first shipments of dates have begun arriving at the market square of the Al-Khabra and Riyadh Al-Khabra Dates Festival in Qassim Region. The event has witnessed brisk trading activity and a strong turnout of farmers.

According to Saudi Press Agency, at the festival's opening, the market offered a wide range of date varieties, with Sukkari dates accounting for 60% of sales during the first 10 days.

The festival's Executive Director Eng. Fahd Al-Rasheed said that the coming days will see the arrival of many additional varieties of dates, regarded as among the finest produced in Al-Khabra and Riyadh Al-Khabra, including Khalas, Sukkari, and Medjool.

He added that the dates auction will begin at 6:30 p.m. throughout the festival. It also features dedicated areas for selling fruits and vegetables, a section for local producers to showcase their products, and an entertainment area designed to appeal to families and children.

Several government agencies are participating in the festival, providing awareness programs and services to visitors and farmers throughout its duration. In addition, 60 volunteers are supporting operations across the festival's various facilities and sections.