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Top 11 Hejazi Dates

Last updated on May 30, 2026

Best Hejazi Dates

01

Nafea Farm

4.7 ·
Nafea Farm is a family-owned plantation located near Medina, Saudi Arabia, specializing in the cultivation of the organic Ajwa date - one of the most prized and authentic varieties on the Arabian Peninsula. Ajwa dates hold deep spiritual and cultural significance, originating from the region traditionally associated with Medina, and Nafea Farm continues this heritage through a modern yet entirely natural approach to production. The plantation lies on sandy, mineral-rich soil, where the microclimate provides ideal conditions for the ripening of sweet, aromatic fruits. The dates are hand-harvested at full maturity, then carefully dried and packed without thermal processing to preserve their natural texture and flavor. The farm’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that Ajwa dates are a “gift of the earth and faith”- with their strength deriving from the natural harmony of soil, sun, and the hands that nurture them. As a result, Nafea Farm today stands as a symbol of authenticity, quality, and the spiritual heritage of Medina, recognized both locally and internationally.
02

Taiba Brothers Farms

4.7 ·
Taiba Brothers Farms is a family-owned farm based in Medina, Saudi Arabia, renowned for its long-standing tradition of cultivating palm trees and producing premium-quality dates. Its philosophy is built on heritage passed down through generations - from ancestors to descendants - guided by respect for nature and local traditions. The farm specializes in varieties native to the Medina region, most notably Ajwa and Safawi dates, prized for their rich flavor and high nutritional value. All fruits are grown naturally, without pesticides or chemical additives, and are hand-harvested at full ripeness to ensure maximum freshness and quality. Careful manual selection and minimal processing allow each date to retain its natural texture, aroma, and deep, glossy color. The climate of Medina, with abundant sunlight and mineral-rich soil, gives the fruit its pronounced sweetness and balanced minerality. The products are packaged in elegant, hygienically processed boxes designed for the premium market and export. Taiba Brothers Farms blends traditional farming methods with modern quality standards, creating an authentic brand that bridges spirituality, culture, and fine gastronomy. Their dates are now considered one of Medina’s most iconic products -— a true symbol of purity, tradition, and luxury.
03

Alia Al-Madinah Farms

4.5 ·
Alia Al-Madinah Farms is a renowned agricultural and tourist destination located in the heart of Medina, Saudi Arabia, combining traditional date cultivation with a modern approach to preserving cultural heritage. The farm spans vast areas covered with palm trees, situated near the Prophet’s Mosque, giving it a special symbolic and spiritual connection to the history of the region. At Alia Farm, the finest varieties of dates are cultivated, with Ajwa standing out as the signature type - known for its dark color, soft texture, and rich, complex flavor. The harvest is carried out by hand, following traditional methods and seasonal rhythms, while the fruits are carefully sorted and packaged to preserve their natural freshness. The farm is open to visitors, offering the experience of walking through dense palm groves and tasting fresh dates straight from the tree. This blend of agriculture and tourism makes it one of the few places where visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere of historical Medina. The land of the farm is considered part of historic waqf (endowment) estates, adding further cultural significance. The dates grown here are known for their rich taste that combines the sweetness of honey and caramel with subtle earthy tones. Thanks to Medina’s ideal climate and mineral-rich soil, the fruits achieve exceptional aromatic concentration. Alia Al-Madinah Farms thus stands as a symbol of authenticity, spiritual heritage, and sustainable cultivation. Its mission is to preserve the centuries-old tradition of date farming while presenting Medina as a center of genuine agricultural culture in Saudi Arabia.
04

Castle Farms

4.5 ·
Castle Farms is a Saudi producer of premium dates with decades of cultivation tradition in the Medina region, one of the most fertile areas for date production in Saudi Arabia. The plantations cover approximately two million square meters and include more than 44,000 palm trees, ensuring an annual yield of around 2,500 tons of dates, including 250 tons of organically certified fruit. The company employs modern methods of organic and sustainable agriculture, allowing for the preservation of soil microbiological richness and the natural balance of the ecosystem. Castle Farms’ assortment includes some of the most renowned Saudi varieties, such as Ajwa, Sukkary, Safawi, Khudari, and Segai, all distinguished by their diverse flavors and textures. Through the combination of natural purity, sustainability, and a refined production approach, Castle Farms has established itself as one of the leading date producers, successfully bridging the authentic heritage of Arabia with the demands of the modern global market.
05

Nawat Al Madinah

4.5 ·
Nawat Al Madinah is a prominent Saudi Arabian company located in Madinah Industrial City, specializing in the processing and export of premium date varieties such as Ajwa, Safawi, Medjool, Sukkari, and Amber. Their state-of-the-art facility employs advanced technology and skilled process engineers to maintain the highest quality standards. Dedicated to sustainability and authenticity, Nawat Al Madinah focuses on delivering natural and distinctive date products that cater to diverse consumer tastes. The company aims to expand its global reach, striving to become a key exporter of fresh dates while adhering to strict food safety and hygiene standards. Their mission is to preserve the natural essence of dates and meet evolving customer preferences with top-quality offerings.
06

Aldabta Farm

4.4 ·
Aldabta Farm is a historic farm located in Medina, Saudi Arabia, renowned for its centuries-old tradition of palm cultivation and premium date production. Considered one of the oldest active farms in the region, its name is closely associated with authenticity and the agricultural heritage of Medina. Across its vast groves, the most famous date varieties are cultivated - with Ajwa holding a special place as the symbol of Medina and a synonym for spirituality, quality, and purity. The fruits are grown using natural methods, without pesticides or artificial additives, ensuring the preservation of their original flavor and nutritional value. Harvesting is done by hand, and each date is carefully sorted and prepared for the premium market. Dates from this farm are distinguished by their deep dark color, soft texture, and rich flavor with notes of honey, caramel, and gentle minerality. Thanks to Medina’s ideal climate - abundant sunshine, dry air, and mineral-rich soil - the fruits develop an exceptional aromatic concentration. Aldabta Farm combines traditional cultivation techniques with modern standards of quality and hygiene, producing dates that meet the expectations of the most demanding markets. Today, Aldabta Farm stands as a symbol of history, quality, and natural luxury, making Medina one of the world’s most important centers for date production.
07

Qootof Al-Tamr

4.4 ·
Qootof Al-Tamr is a Saudi producer and exporter of premium dates that blends tradition, technology, and sustainability in a modern approach to cultivation and processing. The company was established with the goal of promoting the finest Saudi date varieties, with a particular focus on the Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah region, renowned for its exceptional agricultural conditions. Its plantations include more than 30,000 date palms distributed across the country, including in Medina, Al-Qassim, Al-Ula, and Al-Ahsa. Through the combination of traditional expertise and modern business practices, Qootof Al-Tamr has positioned itself as a reliable partner in the global market, exporting its products to numerous countries. The brand emphasizes sustainable farming, adherence to organic practices, and the promotion of dates as a natural superfood. The result is a fusion of Saudi heritage, technological innovation, and contemporary aesthetics that defines Qootof’s identity.
08

Basaqat Elite Dates

4.4 ·
Basaqat Elite Dates is a Saudi producer of premium dates based in the Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah region, known for its fertile oases and ideal conditions for cultivating date palms. The company owns more than ten plantations and produces over 3,000 tons of carefully selected fruits annually, ensuring complete control over every stage of production. Basaqat Elite Dates combines traditional cultivation methods with modern processing and packaging technologies, preserving the natural aroma, texture, and nutritional value of the dates. Their assortment includes the most renowned Saudi varieties, each distinguished by its unique flavor, color, and level of sweetness. The company is particularly known for its Ajwa dates from Medina, considered the most prized for their softness, dark hue, and spiritual symbolism. Through a meticulously managed production process, Basaqat strives to preserve the authenticity of each variety and its terroir while maintaining the highest standards of quality and hygiene. Processing involves hand selection, washing, drying, and packaging under controlled conditions to ensure freshness and long shelf life. The brand positions itself as a symbol of quality and authenticity, preserving the cultural heritage of the Arabian Peninsula in a modern, globally recognized form. Basaqat Elite Dates embodies the fusion of tradition, luxury, and sustainable agriculture, offering a product that transcends local boundaries and serves as an ambassador of Saudi identity worldwide.
09

Urjoon Al Aaliya

4.3 ·
Urjoon Al-Aaliya, established in 2005, is a Saudi Arabian manufacturer specializing in premium quality dates and dried fruits. Based in Medina, the company produces a variety of date types, including Ajwa, Amber, Mabroom, Sukkari, Safawi, and Sugai, adhering to high standards that comply with U.S. and EU food regulations. Utilizing modern machinery and equipment, Urjoon Al-Aaliya ensures the finest quality products for their customers. In addition to manufacturing, they offer services such as food packages, transportation, and Iftar provisions during Ramadan. With a global distribution network, they ship products worldwide, including to the USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, and China.
10

Barakat Al Madinah

4.3 ·
Barakat Al-Madinah Date Factory, established in 2007 and headquartered in Medina, Saudi Arabia, specializes in the production and export of premium dates, notably the esteemed Ajwa variety. With over 30 years of industry experience, the company integrates traditional cultivation methods with advanced agricultural techniques to ensure exceptional quality. Their state-of-the-art facility maintains rigorous hygiene standards, boasting a storage capacity of 30,000 tons and an annual turnover of 50,000 tons. Strategically located in Medina, renowned for its ideal date-growing climate, Barakat Al-Madinah consolidates the efforts of the region's finest date producers, emphasizing quality control and effective marketing to serve a global clientele.

Best Hejazi Dates Types

01

Tamr al-ʿajwa (Ajwa dates)

4.1 ·

Ajwa is a famous date variety originating from Medina, Saudi Arabia. These dates are dark brown to almost black in color. The texture is slightly dry, soft, and chewy, while the flavors are prune-like and sweet with hints of cinnamon, caramel, and honey. The dates are packed with protein, dietary fibre, healthy fats, and vitamins such as A, B6, C, E, and K. During and after pregnancy, the consumption of ajwa dates improves blood circulation for mothers and babies. These dates are also known as holy dates and they hold a special place in Islamic tradition.

02

Tamr al-safawi (Safawi dates)

3.4 ·

Safawi is a traditional Arabian date variety originating from the Al-Madina region. These wrinkly dates have a deep black color and they're medium to large in size. The texture is soft, moist, and chewy, while the flavor is sweet. The safawi palm tree is known for its high productivity, so safawi dates are more commercially available than most other varieties (year-round).

03

Tamr al-bakāyā (Al-Bakaya dates)

n/a ·

Al-Bakaya is an endangered palm tree known for its tall and imposing stature. The dates it produces are sweet, oval-rectangular, and display a mix of ripe and semi-ripe stages, with brown on the bottom and yellow on top. Only a small quantity of Al-Bakaya dates is collected to prevent damage, and typically, only one tree is planted per farm. The harvesting season starts in early summer, with manual harvesting before sunrise to preserve tenderness and pulp abundance. Harvesters require extensive experience and professionalism. Al-Bakaya dates are closely tied to the culture of Medina, appreciated for their unique taste. They are famous in the city and surrounding villages, considered rare and challenging to handle due to fragility during ripening and perishability. Known for their unique flavor and high sweetness, Al-Bakaya dates yield syrup (dibs) suitable as a sugar substitute. They are used in various dishes, including Al-Haysa Al-Madaniya, a famous dessert in Medina. The artisanal method of syrup extraction involves boiling dates in water, then straining the liquid. The tree's imposing height and delicate fruit texture have led to a decline in its cultivation, making it almost extinct. Despite low production, Al-Bakaya dates remain highly coveted, emphasizing the need for support and attention to preserve this unique fruit.

04

Barni dates

n/a ·

Barni dates are a variety of date fruit primarily cultivated in the region of Al-Madinah in western Saudi Arabia, where the dry climate and mineral-rich soil create suitable conditions for the growth of strong, high-yield date palms. The fruit is medium-sized, oval in shape, and dark brown when ripe, with firm flesh and moderate sweetness. It belongs to the soft-dry group of date varieties common in the Arabian Peninsula and is valued for its chewy texture, subtle caramel flavor, and smooth skin. The association of Barni palms with Medina is longstanding, mentioned in early agricultural accounts of the Hijaz area, where date palms were central to local subsistence and trade. Over time, Barni came to be identified with Medina’s agricultural output and was frequently cited among the city’s most esteemed cultivars. The dates are harvested late in the season, usually between September and October, when the fruit passes from the rutab to the tamr stage, at which point the exterior wrinkles slightly while the interior retains firmness. After collection, the fruit is lightly sun-dried or air-dried to reduce moisture and enhance storage life. The dates are then sorted by size and color, sometimes cleaned manually to remove dust from the orchard, and packed in palm-leaf baskets or cartons for distribution. There is no further processing or sweetening, which preserves their natural taste and nutritional profile. A distinctive feature of Barni dates is their balance of dryness and chewiness, which makes them suitable for storage without refrigeration and for export beyond the region. They are commonly sold whole, occasionally pitted, and sometimes filled with nuts such as almonds or pistachios, though the plain form remains the standard. In Medina and throughout Saudi Arabia, Barni dates are eaten daily rather than reserved for festivals or gifts, often accompanying Arabic coffee during social visits or offered after prayer. They are also consumed at the start of a meal to provide natural sugars and fiber. Because of their moderate sweetness, Barni dates pair well with milk, yogurt drinks such as laban or ayran, and lightly roasted nuts. Their firm consistency also allows them to be chopped and added to baked goods or cereal mixtures without losing texture.

05

Tamr al-ʿanbarah (Anbara dates)

n/a ·

Anbara dates are a variety of date fruit grown mainly in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the region of Al-Madinah, where the climate of high heat and low humidity favors the cultivation of palm species suited to dense, sugar-rich fruit. They are among the largest date varieties produced in the Arabian Peninsula, recognizable by their elongated oval shape, glossy reddish-brown skin, and firm yet fibrous flesh that encloses a relatively small seed. Their flavor is mildly sweet rather than heavy, with notes of honey and molasses, which distinguishes them from the darker, more caramelized varieties such as Ajwa or Medjool. Cultivation of Anbara dates is linked to the long-standing palm-growing practices of the Hijaz area, where date palms have been documented for many centuries as a key agricultural resource and form of sustenance. The name “Anbara” refers specifically to this cultivar’s fruit rather than the tree species itself, and it likely gained prominence through local trade networks that supplied dates from Medina to other Arabian regions. The fruit develops over the hot summer months, ripening between late August and early October. Harvesting is done by hand when the dates reach full maturity and begin to soften slightly on the tree. After collection, the fruit is cleaned, sorted by size and appearance, and dried under controlled conditions to stabilize moisture and concentrate its sugars. The drying process is minimal compared to that of harder date types, leaving Anbara dates supple and ready for immediate consumption. They are often sold whole, occasionally stuffed with nuts such as almonds or pistachios, and sometimes coated lightly with natural syrup for preservation. One of the distinctive features of Anbara dates is their low seed-to-flesh ratio, which makes them especially valued for gift presentation and high-end retail packaging in Gulf countries. They are consumed throughout the year but are particularly prominent during Ramadan, when dates are eaten to break the fast due to their high energy content and digestibility. Anbara dates are eaten plain or served alongside Arabic coffee, laban (fermented milk), or mint tea. Their mild sweetness and firm texture also make them suitable for combining with savory foods, including soft cheeses, roasted nuts, or lightly salted meats, where the contrast of flavors enhances both elements.

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About this ranking

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 11 Hejazi Dates” list until May 30, 2026, 74 ratings were recorded, of which 31 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

The initial list of top producers was compiled based on available reviews, awards, local recommendations, media and blog coverage, and consumer reviews. The list will be updated with ratings from TasteAtlas local ambassadors and TasteAtlas users.

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