King Abdullah’s Dates Market project is in its final stages and is set to be completed by May, said Abdullah Al-Arfaj, deputy mayor of Al-Ahsa for municipal services.

Al-Arfaj pointed out that the project includes two market places, one traditional in its design and the other more modern, stock-exchange style.

“The project involves establishing the first open electronic screen in the Gulf region that works as a type of stock market for the palm and dates markets, which will be present across the Kingdom and Gulf countries,” said Al-Arfaj. “This will allow everyone to bid for Al-Ahsa products in the market.”

He said that the project will also include a lounge, two shops on both sides of the street, malls at the corners, a site for establishing factories for filling and packaging dates, offices for transportation and distribution companies, media offices, call centers and quality control laboratories to check products against stated weight.

The project would also include a conference room, special exhibition rooms, a communication office for the coordination and exchange of experiences and expertise and a training and education center.

He also said that the project’s design took into account capacity, accuracy of display, marketing regulations, futuristic expansion plans and aesthetic dimensions appropriate to the distinct nature of the palm tree both historically and aesthetically.

Al-Arfaj said the project will contribute to giving products the value they deserve, which will help preserve product integrity and the environment.

He said that the Al-Amana mayoralty comes as a neutral broker and designates categories A, B and C, which will safeguard the rights of farmers, citizens and residents.

He said King Abdullah’s Dates Market will provide an environment conducive to marketing Al-Ahsa dates and limit financial losses.

The project will be run by exclusively Saudis and will provide many employment opportunities.

“A dates festival will be held here next year,” he added.