UAE Begins Annual Date Harvest With 150 Varieties Entering Market

The United Arab Emirates has officially commenced its annual date harvest season, with local plantations across the country bringing 150 distinct varieties to market. The start of the harvest signals the peak of activity for the UAE’s agricultural sector, which maintains millions of palm trees in key cultivation hubs including Al Ain, Liwa, and the Northern Emirates. Commercial Varieties and Harvesting Stages Agricultural data indicates that the 150 varieties produced in the UAE include high-demand types such as Khalas, Barhi, Lulu, Fardh, and Shishe. Each variety follows a specific ripening timeline dictated by humidity levels and temperature. The harvest typically progresses through three essential stages: Busr (the initial firm and crunchy state), Rutab (the semi-ripe, soft stage), and Tamr (the final, fully ripened and dried stage). The Khalas and Barhi varieties are among the first to reach the Rutab stage, making them the primary focus for early-season distribution. Local markets and specialized retail outlets have already begun receiving the first yields, which are prioritized for domestic consumption before surplus volumes are processed for export. Regional Production…