Top Date Producing Countries

Recent studies presented at the Second International Date Palm Conference currently held at Al-Qassim University in Saudi Arabia have shown that the Islamic world in Africa and Asia is the primary producer of dates globally. The study highlighted that there are 13 countries in this region producing 95% of the total global date production. Dr. Abdelkader Boufersawy, a lecturer at Houari Boumediene University of Science and Technology, presented the study during the conference titled “A Comprehensive Discussion on Dates.” The countries identified are:

1. Egypt
Egypt ranks first in date production, contributing 18% of the world’s production, amounting to approximately 1.6 million tons annually. Some of the most famous varieties include Umhat, Al-Amari, Sukkari or Rashidi, Zaghlool, Siwi or Said, Hayani or Ramli, Bint Aisha, Arabi or Aribi, Jandila, Sirji, and Hamrawi.

2. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia comes in second place, contributing 15% with an annual production of about 1.1 million tons. Notable varieties include Rahi, Burani Al-Madina, Bayd, Halwa, Khasab, Khudri, Khalas, Deglet Noor, Dhawi, Rabi’a, Razziz, and Rashudi.

3. Iran
In third place, Iran accounts for 14% with an annual production of approximately 1.08 million tons. Key varieties include Usta Omran, Khodrawi, Barhi, and Brim.

4. United Arab Emirates
The UAE ranks fourth, contributing 13% with nearly one million tons produced annually. Some of its most famous dates are Lulu, Bouma’an, Razziz, and Fard.

5. Algeria
Algeria holds the fifth position, producing 9% with an output of about 650,000 tons per year. The most famous variety is Deglet Noor, which constitutes the majority of the country’s production.

6. Iraq
Iraq ranks sixth, contributing 8% with a production of approximately 600,000 tons annually. Iraq enjoys a wide variety of dates, including Diri, Brim, Jabjab, Barhi, Khastaawi, Maktum, Ashrasi, Akhu Khastaawi, Ashrasi Aswad, Ashrasi Hebheb, Barban, Khasab, and Majhool.

The study pointed out the diversity of date varieties, exceeding 2,000 types. Dates were cultivated in the Euphrates basin over 6,000 years ago and have been used as food both ancient and modern. Additionally, their leaves have been utilized in some traditional industries, and their trunks have been used for building villages. Furthermore, dates are recognized as a complete food due to their rich composition of iron, potassium, and a significant amount of vitamins and minerals.