BURAYDAH, SAUDI ARABIA — (ARAB NEWSWIRE) — Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, the authorized distributor of Toyota vehicles since 1955, and Community Jameel Saudi Foundation, the social responsibility arm of the Jameel family, launched the Jameel Dates Award in Buraydah, establishing a new annual platform to recognize local farmers and practices shaping the Kingdom’s thriving date industry. The inaugural edition will focus on eligible owners of registered Sukkari date farms, a premium Saudi date variety known for its distinctive sweetness.
The Award aims to recognize farmers for agricultural quality, safety, best practices and responsible land stewardship, while highlighting Al Qassim’s rich date farming heritage and its contribution to the growing global recognition of Saudi dates.
As the Main Sponsor of the Buraydah International Dates Carnival, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors launched the Jameel Dates Award alongside Community Jameel Saudi Foundation, the founding partner for the award, at the world’s largest gathering dedicated to the date trade with the Buraydah International Dates Carnival designated as the host and technical partner.
The award celebrates the farmers and agricultural practices that underpin Al Qassim’s renowned date industry, while supporting the Kingdom’s ambitions under Vision 2030 to strengthen the agricultural sector and promote Saudi products on the global stage.
Shahad Nassier, Managing Director of Marketing Communications and Guest Intelligence, at Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, said: “We take great pride in supporting an event of growing international prominence that celebrates the Kingdom’s rich agricultural heritage and brings together visitors and industry stakeholders from around the world. The Buraydah International Dates Carnival reflects Saudi Arabia’s leadership in this important sector, and through the Jameel Dates Award, we are proud to recognize the farmers whose dedication and commitment to high agricultural standards help drive its continued excellence. We relish the opportunity to contribute to this wider effort to celebrate their achievements and help amplify the story of Saudi Arabia’s dates sector on the global stage.”
Dr May Taibah, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Financial Controller at Community Jameel Saudi Foundation, said: “The Jameel Dates Award reflects our belief that meaningful social impact begins with empowering our communities who sustain our shared heritage. By recognizing farmers who demonstrate excellence in agricultural practices, quality and responsible cultivation, the award aims to support the continued development of Al Qassim’s agricultural sector. Through Community Jameel Saudi Foundation, we are proud to contribute to an initiative that celebrates local talent while creating opportunities for a more resilient and thriving sector.”
Al Qassim’s date sector is an integral part of its agricultural heritage and cultural identity, as well as an important contributor to its economy and rural communities, with more than 11 million palm trees contributing to Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading producer and exporter of dates globally.
The inaugural edition focuses on Sukkari dates, one of the varieties most closely associated with Al Qassim and an important part of the region’s agricultural heritage. The Buraydah International Dates Carnival accounts for more than 85% of Sukkari date production, reflecting the variety’s prominence in the region and its position as one of the most sought-after Saudi date varieties.
Eligible farms will undergo a structured evaluation overseen by technical experts, with assessments based on agricultural practices, product quality, safety and responsible cultivation. The award will operate independently of public promotional activities and carnival draws, with recognition determined through a merit-based process.
Registration is open to owners of officially registered Sukkari date farms in Al Qassim region. Applicants can apply through the official online registration portal.
The winner of the inaugural 2026 Jameel Dates Award will be announced on September 13, 2026.
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About Abdul Latif Jameel Motors
Abdul Latif Jameel Motors was established in 1955 in Saudi Arabia. It was appointed as the authorized distributor for Toyota in the same year and Lexus in 1989. Guided by the ‘guest first’ approach and Kaizen philosophy, Abdul Latif Jameel Motors is dedicated to establishing itself as the preferred mobility partner, meeting the evolving needs of the Kingdom and its people.
About Community Jameel Saudi Foundation
In 1945, the late Abdul Latif Jameel launched a series of charitable activities and programs, marking the beginning of a long and distinguished journey in philanthropy and community initiatives that has continued for decades. In 2003, the Abdul Latif Jameel Community Service Programs were established, and in 2010, they were restructured into the Community Jameel Saudi Foundation. Today, Community Jameel Saudi Foundation serves as an umbrella organization encompassing numerous developmental initiatives and programs; It aims to develop the Saudi society through a variety of key pillars, including job and income opportunities generation, empowering women, empowering entrepreneurs, social and health initiatives, advancing technology and science, and safeguarding the environment. Since its inception, the Foundation’s initiatives benefited over one million people across the Kingdom.
For more information, please visit alj.com and Toyota.com.sa.
Notes to editor
For further information, please contact Abdul Latif Jameel Motors, media@alj.com
This press release is issued through Arab Newswire (www.arabnewswire.com) — a press release distribution service for the Arab World, Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
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