Dates are a cherished fruit in Gulf countries due to their cultural, economic, and religious significance. The region is renowned for producing the finest quality dates globally, thanks to its ideal climate for date palm cultivation. Dates are often consumed during special occasions like Ramadan, to break the fast, and Eid, as they are considered an elegant fruit to serve to visitors and enjoy with coffee.

The unique flavors and varieties of dates make them highly sought after. As the season for harvesting Khalal (green dates) and Rutab (ripened Khalal) begins with the arrival of summer, Kuwait Times visited multiple locations to explore the various types of dates and the new stuffing trends, such as nuts and tahini.

African Barhi

Date balls mixed with sesame seeds and coconut flakes.

Date syrup

Date paste, known as tamriya, comes plain, with harda (sesame tahini), yoghurt (dried laban) or nuts.

Dates sandwiched bertween two layers of delicate biscuit, flavored with saffron and topped with sesame seeds.

Majdool dates

Ripe Khalal and Rutab, ready to harvest

Saudi Saggae

Vendor surrounded with different types of dates

Mustafa Muhammad, a vendor at a date shop, shared with Kuwait Times the variety of fillings commonly found inside dates, including pistachios, almonds, cashews, sesame tahini (harda) and occasionally dried fruits like figs and apricots. In addition to fillings, dates can be adorned with toppings such as sesame seeds, fennel seeds, edible flowers and more.

Popular date varieties that are often stuffed include Majdool, Saggae, Ikhlas and Rutab. Prices vary depending on the serving size, with larger plates priced between KD 4 and 5 and smaller plates ranging from KD 2 to 3. Mustafa also highlighted distinctions between dry dates, such as Khudri, Ali’s Plant, Manifi, Ajwa and Safawi, and moist dates like Saggae, Majdool and Rutab. Each type commands a different price, with sales typically surging during the holy month of Ramadan.

Dates topped with coconut flakes and edible flowers

Dates with biscuit, chocolate and cappucino flavoring. A type of ma'amoul

Different types of dates including Palestinian Majdool, Jordanian Majdool, Saudi Ajwa and Saudi Saggae.

Harda (sesame tahini) used as dip or as a topping for dates.

Ikhlas dates topped with sesame and fennel seeds.

Ikhlas or Khalas dates topped with harda and crushed nuts.

Unripe Khalal

Majdool and Saggae dates stuffed with nuts

Vendor shows Majdool dates

A mix of Khalal and Rutab.

Ayman Mahmoud, another vendor at a date shop, told Kuwait Times about a product known as “tamriya”, which is date paste. “Tamriya is usually made from a type of date called Ikhlas or Khalas. The kernel is removed from the dates, and they are then mashed and mixed with toppings that add flavor, such as harda (sesame paste), pistachios or walnuts, based on one’s preference,” he said.

Depending on the added ingredients, it can be called “harda tamriya,” “walnut tamriya” or “pistachio tamriya”. The price is around KD 5 per kilogram. Mahmoud also noted that tamriya was not widely known in the past, but has become popular in recent years, especially with the addition of nuts. Previously, tamriya was either plain or mixed with ghee or dried yogurt, but it has since evolved.