The Madinah Central Dates Market is the city's main wholesale and retail trading place for dates, in Al Madinah Region of Saudi Arabia, and a local alternative to buying souvenirs from hotel gift shops. A new central market opened in September 2025 inside the Food City project, at the junction of King Khalid bin Abdulaziz Road (Third Ring Road) and Ali bin Abi Talib Road, while the older Souq Al Tumur is listed on King Faisal Road, so the current location should be confirmed on a map app before going. Madinah is famous for its dates, and stalls here sell the best-known local varieties by the kilo, including Ajwa, Safawi, Anbara and Sukkari-type dates, usually from open boxes so that buyers can taste before purchasing. Prices vary by grade and variety, and Ajwa, the most prized, costs noticeably more than everyday types. Stalls also sell stuffed dates, date paste, date syrup, nuts and coffee. Traders are used to visitors from many countries and will pack and box purchases for travel. The market is busiest in the evening and before major holidays and Ramadan, when local families stock up, while mid-morning is calmer and gives time to compare stalls. A visit usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. Because the market is a working trade site, it is more practical than scenic: expect crates, forklifts and bargaining rather than a tourist souq. Prices are normally flexible when buying larger quantities, and cash is still widely used though card payment is increasingly accepted. Visitors flying out should check airline limits for food items, and sealed boxes travel best. The market lies outside the sacred precinct and is open to visitors of all faiths.
Highlights
- Taste Ajwa, Safawi, Anbara and Sukkari-type dates before buying
- Buy by the kilo directly from stalls
- Stuffed dates, date syrup, paste, nuts and coffee on sale
- Local shopping rather than a hotel gift shop
Tips for visiting
- Confirm which market location is current in a map app before going.
- Taste before buying and compare grades across stalls.
- Ask for sealed boxes if the dates will travel by air.
- Bargaining is common for larger quantities.
- Carry some cash in case a stall does not accept cards.
- Visit mid-morning to avoid evening and pre-holiday crowds.
When to visit
Mid-morning on weekdays for calm browsing; evenings and the days before Ramadan and holidays are busiest.
Accessibility
Modern market buildings generally have level floors, but older souq streets can be crowded and uneven; confirm access for wheelchairs on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Which dates are Madinah known for?
Ajwa is the most famous, alongside Safawi, Anbara and Sukkari-type dates sold by the kilo.
Where is the market?
A new central market opened in 2025 in the Food City project near the Third Ring Road; the older Souq Al Tumur is listed on King Faisal Road.
Is bargaining expected?
Prices are often flexible when buying in bulk, though some stalls keep fixed rates.
Can non-Muslims visit?
Yes. The market is outside the sacred precinct and open to all visitors.