Local Dates Festival 2026

The 11th Local Dates Festival at Souq Waqif offers residents and visitors a unique opportunity to explore Qatar's rich agricultural heritage. The event, which runs daily from July 25 to August 10, 2026, showcases premium locally grown fresh dates, including popular varieties such as Khalas, Shishi, Khenaizi, Barhi, and Ikhlas. In addition to dates, visitors can also find other seasonal Qatari fruits like figs, papaya, lime, and almonds, presented by over 100 local fresh date and fruit farms.

Organized by the Ministry of Municipality in collaboration with Souq Waqif management, the festival aims to support local farmers, promote Qatari agricultural products, encourage the consumption of national produce, and contribute to the country's food security and agricultural sustainability goals. It provides a direct platform for producers to market their products, fostering healthy competition and offering fresh products at competitive prices.

Since its inaugural edition in 2016, the festival has grown significantly, reflecting the continuous development of Qatar’s agricultural sector. It has attracted tens of thousands of visitors and recorded sales of over 153 tons of dates in its previous run. The event operates from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday, with extended hours until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, providing a family-friendly atmosphere and an authentic heritage experience in the heart of Doha.