Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the vibrant Abu Dhabi Dates Market at Mina Zayed is bustling with activity, drawing in both devout shoppers and curious tourists eager to experience local delicacies.
Aletihad spoke to a number of salesmen at the market who reported a significant surge in demand during the month preceding Ramadan.
Ramadan is a period of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims worldwide. Traditionally, Muslims break their fast at sunset with dates and water, emulating the practice of the Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago.
Kareem Mohamed Abd Al Wahhab, a seasoned salesman at one of the market’s dates shops, told Aletihad on Thursday: “Ramadan is our season, because it’s sunnah to break your fast with dates. People buy lots of dates, either to break their fast with it or to distribute it as gifts and donations.”
His store boasts an extensive selection of dates, offering roughly 100 varieties sourced from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Jordan, and beyond. Prices vary depending on the type of dates, with sales skyrocketing by over 50% during the Ramadan season, according to Abd Al Wahhab.
He noted that locals frequent the market all-year round. “Dates are part of the culture here, and they have so many health benefits.”
The market is also experiencing a substantial influx of tourists, who come to enjoy the taste of Emirati dates as part of their trip to the UAE, Abd Al Wahhab remarked.
Irshad, a salesman from another shop, told Aletihad that over 30 tourist buses have been arriving to the dates market daily over the past three months.
Irshad also noted that many local customers often purchase dates in large quantities for gifting purposes, with some acquiring 10, 20, or even 1,000 boxes for charity iftars.
“Every day, I serve nearly 100 customers,” he said, describing a trend that has persisted for the past month as people prepare for Ramadan.
Prior to Ramadan, daily foot traffic at the shop amounted to 20 customers, he said, adding that demand typically stabilises to normal levels by the tenth day of Ramadan.
Mohammad Rafi, another salesman in the dates market, said that Medjool and Ajwa dates stand out as the top choices among shoppers, while locals, in particular, show a preference for Khalas dates, renowned for their sweeter flavour profile.
He added that locals consistently purchase dates throughout the year, as they consider them an essential staple in their households.
Offering an extensive selection of approximately 150 varieties sourced from across the UAE, Rafi said that he experienced a notable 50% surge in sales in the period preceding Ramadan.
Mohammad Ajmal, another salesman in the market, noted a similar steady increase in sales leading up to Ramadan, with both residents and tourists stocking up on premium dates to commemorate the holy month.
He also pointed out that this year, Ramadan is coinciding with the winter season, which attracts a considerable influx of global tourists to the UAE, drawn by its mild and pleasant climate.
This surge in tourism, combined with shopping activity among UAE locals and residents preparing for Ramadan, has caused sales in the market to soar, according to Ajmal.
The store where Ajmal works has experienced a bustling atmosphere throughout the month preceding Ramadan, welcoming approximately 1,000 customers daily. The store offers shoppers an extensive selection of over 30 date varieties sourced from the UAE and the Gulf region, he said.
Ajmal remarked that some UAE-residents procure dates early to send them back to their home countries, due to the high quality for which UAE-produced dates are renowned. Additionally, many customers opt to purchase dates in bulk to give them to local mosques and contribute to the distribution of Iftar packages.
