Qassim: Governor of Qassim Region Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz reviewed the development of the region's date palm and dates sector. He was joined by Deputy Governor of Qassim Region Prince Fahd bin Saad bin Faisal bin Saad during this briefing.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the governor highlighted that Qassim Region is home to over 11 million date palms. He noted the transformation of the Buraidah International Dates Carnival from a market to a festival and eventually into an international carnival, attributing this evolution to the support and empowerment provided by Saudi Arabia's leadership. The governor urged business leaders and investors to expand the date-processing industries and to innovate value-added products that could enhance the sector's economic returns and competitiveness in both local and international markets.

Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture branch in Qassim Region Eng. Salman Al-Suwaina reported that the region hosts over 14,000 agricultural holdings and contributes approximately 30% of Saudi Arabia's total date production. The region is known for producing over 100 varieties of dates, including Sukkari, Saqee, Barhi, and Medjool. Efforts to combat the red palm weevil have significantly reduced infestation rates to below 1%, based on recent statistics. The region also boasts 30 factories dedicated to date processing. Additionally, the Qassim governor's "palm harvesting" initiative aims to localize the profession of date picking and harvesting, creating job opportunities for young people.