The Complete Guide to Saudi Date Varieties

Saudi Arabia produces some of the world’s finest dates, with each region and variety offering a completely different eating experience. At Sanyeh, we have carefully selected six of the most prized Saudi varieties to bring directly to Europe. Here is everything you need to know.

1. Ajwa Dates — Al-Madinah’s Treasure

Origin: Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah

Colour: Dark brown to near-black

Texture: Soft and slightly chewy

Flavour: Rich, earthy, mildly sweet with caramel undertones

Best for: Connoisseurs, health-focused consumers, gifting

Ajwa are among the rarest and most revered dates in the world. Grown only in Al-Madinah, they are prized for their complex flavour and impressive antioxidant content. They are smaller than many varieties but intensely satisfying.

2. Sukary Rateb — Golden Sweetness

Origin: Al-Qassim

Colour: Light gold to amber

Texture: Soft and slightly moist (Rateb = fresh/soft stage)

Flavour: Intensely sweet, honey-like, butterscotch notes

Best for: Snacking, gifting, pairing with coffee

Sukary Rateb are harvested at the Rutab (fresh ripe) stage, giving them a softer, more luxurious texture than their dried counterparts. Sweet and aromatic, they are exceptionally popular.

3. Sukary Mftel — Classic Sukary Character

Origin: Al-Qassim

Colour: Amber to golden brown

Texture: Firm with a slightly dry outer skin, soft interior

Flavour: Sweet, with a clean finish and slight nuttiness

Best for: Daily snacking, energy boost, cooking

Mftel Sukary have a slightly more concentrated sweetness than Rateb, with a pleasing firmness that makes them ideal for everyday enjoyment.

4. Saghai Dates — Soft and Subtle

Origin: Al-Qassim

Colour: Light brown to golden

Texture: Very soft and moist

Flavour: Mild, delicate sweetness, light caramel

Best for: Those who prefer a milder taste, children, dessert recipes

Saghai dates are prized for their exceptional softness and gentle flavour. They are one of the easiest dates to enjoy for people new to premium Saudi dates.

5. Safawi Dates — Dark and Distinguished

Origin: Al-Qassim

Colour: Very dark brown to black

Texture: Moist and fleshy

Flavour: Rich, slightly sweet with a pleasant mild bitterness

Best for: Those who prefer less sweetness, pairing with strong beverages

Safawi dates closely resemble Ajwa in appearance but have their own character — slightly less sweet, with a deep, complex flavour profile. An excellent choice for those who love Ajwa but want something slightly different.

6. Rateb Dates — Fresh and Fragrant

Origin: Al-Qassim

Colour: Amber to light brown

Texture: Extremely soft, almost creamy

Flavour: Fresh, fragrant, moderately sweet

Best for: Freshness seekers, immediate enjoyment

Rateb refers to dates at their freshest stage of ripeness. They have an almost custard-like interior and a delicate fragrance. They should be enjoyed promptly for the best experience.

How to Choose the Right Variety

All Sanyeh dates are available in 500 g and 1 kg packs, with a minimum order of 1 kg — ensuring you always receive optimal freshness.