Abu Dhabi Dates Market is a buzzing spot with a variety of sweets that reflect the local culture. This is in Mina Zayed (Zayed Port). The venue offers you the chance to sample and buy dates from an array of different types by drinking Arabic coffee.
In the UAE, there are over 120 breeds of dates. The market is a real Emirati experience that you can experience. Dealers spread long tables filled with different types of dates; some are just simple snacks like Ajwa and Medjool, while others are much more special. You can try a sample before you decide to buy.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Mina Zayed (Zayed Port), Abu Dhabi |
| Opening Hours | Daily 10:00 AM–12:00 AM (late afternoon/evening best) |
| Popular Dates | Ajwa, Medjool, Khalas, Khidri (among 100+ varieties) |
| Shopping Tips | Taste first, compare stalls, bargain, bring packaging |
| Nearby Attractions | Emirates Palace, Ferrari World, Louvre, Sheikh Zayed |
Why the Abu Dhabi Dates Market is Special
In the UAE, dates have been a significant food source for many years, especially among the Bedouin people. As a matter of fact, they are the most beloved fruits in the eastern part of the Muslim world and are often considered religious items, much like the Ajwa dates, which are also referred to as “holy dates.” Dates are extraordinary because they are rich in nutrients, such as fibre and antioxidants, for your trip. The market for dates is not just a place to do your shopping; it feels more like a display of the local tradition. Tasting different types of dates is like enjoying the beauty of a museum. There are so many kinds; for example, Kholas dates taste like nuts and caramel, and Medjool dates are known as the “king of dates.”
Market time is fun and feels like a full-blown sensory experience. Vendors are very active in trying to get you to try every kind of date and serving you Arabic coffee. One interesting point here is that customers say the stores are friendly and relaxing, and the storekeepers are very generous and jolly. Also, a small bargaining practice would be interesting. These markets are considered mandatory on city tours and are a perfect opportunity to buy items like date syrup, chocolate-covered dates, or stuffed dates. A famous shop, for instance, would be Al Raiqa Dates, which sells the best candies and date syrups. This is a really original recipe that takes one away from the well-known tourist places.
Location & Opening Hours
The Abu Dhabi Dates Market is located at Mina Zayed, mainly inside the port. It can be found right next to the fish and vegetable markets, so that you might see both fishers and date sellers there.
The market is available every last 7 days of the week from 10 AM to midnight. The ideal time to come is after 3:00 PM, at sunset, when it’s cooler, and the sellers aren’t busy. However, the early days are calm, with fewer stalls and a lower variety of goods, but the evenings are a bit restless and make the place glow.
Timing Tip
Go to the place between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and just after sunset, for free samples, cooler weather, and better deals.
Getting There
You will have to reach the Mina Market hub by taxi. Follow the signs that say “Vegetable Market” or “Dates Market”. Even if it is adjacent to Emirates City and Mina Zayed, you can take a local bus instead, go straight to the fruit and nut stalls, and then the date shops are only a short walk away, with their colourful lights and product shelves.
Top Date Varieties to Try
At the market, you can try out more than a hundred different types of dates because, in the UAE, so many different types are grown. Lists of popular names are as follows:
Ajwa Dates
Ajwa dates come from Medina and are smooth and chocolate-coloured. They are distinguished by a gentle sweetness and are regarded as a healthy food. They are also called the “holy dates brought by people of the Prophet, peace is upon him.” The price of the best ajwa date can be up to AED 80-100 per kg.
Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are significant, a bit squashy and taste like caramel. “King of Dates” is their nickname that is flown in from Morocco or Jordan. Other versions are also available in the UAE, with prices ranging from AED 80 to 100 per kg.
Khalas Dates
Khalas dates have a beautiful golden colour and a toffee-like quality. They are highly popular in the Emirates and can be used fresh or frozen. They usually have a mid-range price tag.
Khidri Dates
Khidri dates are the main form, being cylindrical; they have a mild grapey flavour and a caramel-like taste. Being a typical product of local markets, this product is quite popular and more economically available at AED 20-30 per kg.
Fard Dates
They are dark, complex, and small, a good snack or cracker addition.
Additional Varieties
Look for Barhi, Kholas, Sokary, Lulu, and organic or locally grown dates at the market. You can have them right on the counter.
Being at the greengrocers can take you, players, when you buy colored pieces through. The placards contain the vendor’s informative data and sometimes place them in the same collection. If you can’t make up your mind, ask the vendor to try a sample. Most of them will be glad to offer you a taste before buying.
| Date Variety | Flavor Profile | Typical Price (AED/kg) |
| Ajwa | Soft, mildly sweet, “holy date” | 80–100 (premium) |
| Medjool | Large, very sweet, caramel notes | 80–100 (premium) |
| Khalas | Toffee-like sweetness | ~20–40 |
| Khidri | Raisin-like, caramel aftertaste | ~20–30 |
| Fard | Firm, nutty flavor | ~20–25 |
| Others | Varies (organic, local, etc.) | 30–50+ |
Prices and Tips for Bargaining
The market prices in Abu Dhabi are really reasonable at times. The usual price of common quality dates is about AED 20 to AED 25 per kilo. This price can be as high as AED 90–100 per kilo for special varieties like Ajwa or Medjool. Quality-controlled dates can also be packaged in a fancy way and stored in durable packets or sealed jars for the happy receiver. Exquisite sweeteners and date candies are also a part of the inventory.
Bargaining
Bargaining is a tradition here. It’s normal for the merchant to get dedicated, thus, life getting down to the lowest price will be mostly expected. Making an offer with a smile and some general knowledge about what you are bargaining for will work for you. They should be the only outlets of the kind. Go and see the prices at other kiosks. Those are the ones that you like the most. However, consider the cost difference carefully.
Payment
Preferably, cash (AED) would be most convenient, though the large department stores might also take cards. To make big purchases, customers need to have the appropriate change or a larger quantity of smaller bills. Some shops may package the dates in vacuum-sealed packaging or place them in a gift box, so transporting the fruit is not difficult.
Shopping Tips for the Dates Market
- Sample Freely: Go ahead and take a bite of your favorite before deciding to buy. Vendors generally offer the option to taste different products, such as chocolate-covered dates and date syrup. It is a part of the market that makes up the whole market.
- Know What You Want: For those of you who are fans of a particular type of date, please feel free to look for avees in the shops or inquire with the vendors. Decorative packages can be purchased at stores like Bateel, while basic varieties and other options are also available in some stores, along with surprise choices.
- Compare & Contrast: Walk around the market and take samples of products and price tags so you can compare the different things you see. The Mina Date Market is the purchasing section. It is the wholesaler who has the appropriate atmosphere for bulk buys. One has to go to the stalls to get a small quantity, but for a large number, one should enquire about wholesale prices.
- Bargain Tactfully: Start negotiations by offering 10-20% of the initial price, then agree on a fair amount. Being friendly and using some Arabic can speed up negotiations.
- Bring Packaging: Almost all shops offer boxes; for those purchasing several, it is a good idea to bring your own bags. In case you plan to fly, ask for sealed packages to keep everything safe.
- Check Quality: Pick your dates that are complete and not marked. Green Lawn or Al Raiqa are preferred shopping centres for the kindest and freshest products, with higher hygiene standards, making them cleaner.
Shopping Tips for the Dates Market
- Green Lawn Vegetable & Fruits: It is one of the largest shops, offering a wide range of dates and dried fruits. They are known for their low prices and kindness.
- Al Raiqa Dates: Their primary offering is gourmet items such as chocolate-covered dates and date syrups. Visitors are happy to receive complimentary and exciting items.
- Zadina: We are a small grocery store called Zadina, which offers a good selection of bb dates. Nuts, and sweets as well as Date chocolates of high quality. It’s slightly expensive, but the flavour is convincing.
- Bateel: Bateel is a luxury brand from the malls, and it has its own hotel in Abu Dhabi, where it sells only dates. If you are looking for ornamented date gift boxes, including designs like royal jelly or truffle-filled ones, Swaltem is the right place. The price is high, but the packaging is impressive.
- Spice/Nut Shops: These are the booths that not only sell loose nuts, spices, and dried fruits but also carry dates. Most commonly, they offer very low prices for nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and Za’atar, along with dates.
Abu Dhabi vs. Dubai Date Markets
Differences Between the Markets
The date market in Abu Dhabi, geared more toward tourists, emphasises retail, while Dubai’s Al Ras and Deira Spice Souk have many low-cost wholesale date sellers. UAE Dubai jobs
Dubai Date Market
The main Dubai date markets are based on what offers the best wholesale deal, including cheap imported dates from the Middle East sold in bulk. At Dubai Airport, there is a gift one can buy tax-free.
Abu Dhabi Date Market Experience
The main things to focus on in Abu Dhabi are quality and your shopping experience. No matter how little you pay here, the stalls’ air-conditioning, complimentary tastings, and sellers who tell you about the various dates will impress you, Abu Dhabi. Some of the feedback mentions that prices could be more economical than in the capital by the suggested points and months.
Shopping Tips
One of the main things to save money is to go to the Dubai wholesale date market first. When it comes to trying both markets, I prefer testing ordinary dates in Abu Dhabi, such as Iranian Sajoori or Omani Khalas, and I can get bulk dates from Dubai.
Nearby Attractions and Local Advice for Trips
The Abu Dhabi Dates Market is situated in a bustling port district, with several nearby attractions.
Emirates Palace
Just a few minutes’ drive away, Emirates Palace is a hip hotel, a three-minute jaunt from the Corniche. Regardless of how you prefer it, write your own experience at the market and go to this nearby point for some snaps or the cocoa with your dates you got the minute before for a treat!
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Located on Yas Island, this high-speed theme park is about 20 minutes by car. Most tours are arranged to take visitors to the mosque of Sheikh Zayed, the Dates Market, and Ferrari World in one day, so they get to decide whether they prefer adventure, culture, or both!
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The world’s third-largest mosque is on the route to the market. Many pilgrims usually begin their routine with prayer in the daylight; the prayers are commonly held in the mornings and evenings. The light is what gives the domes a shimmering display at that time. It has become the norm for visitors to the mosque to wear sleeves and pants for a couple of years.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
It’s situated on Saadiyat Island, well documented and from the perspective of a travel destination, this museum definitely can’t be missed. The Dates Market is a totally different side of the cultural spectrum, from modern art to traditional tastes.
Transportation Tips
From Dubai, guided tours that also make stops at the market are available. Those travelling alone can take Abu Dhabi’s bus system (A1 or A2 routes) to reach Mina. A quick and easy way to get around town is by taxi or ride-sharing. You can tell them the street “Dates Souk” or “Vegetable Market”; no driver will get confused. Where light footwear is most of the time, and do not overfasten, else the locals might find it strange for a place that is generally passive but quite traditional.
Conclusion
Knowing the Abu Dhabi Dates Market is a duty for anyone who loves food and wants to experience a cultural touch. This site is where you can get the complete picture of Emirati life: from the traditional way of picking dates and treating them to the exhilaration of sharing coffee and pastries. In your hands, with a load of these golden dates, the leading sight excites your emotions by their sheer force during processes, such as persistent bargaining, a delightful aroma, or supportiveness. Stuff like this lifts my spirit, and I feel like I virtually enter Abu Dhabi’s life, too.
