The countdown has begun. With Ramadan 2026 fast approaching, the hunt for the perfect box of dates is officially on. Whether you are stocking up for your family’s daily Iftar or searching for a luxury corporate gift, navigating the UAE’s date market can be overwhelming.
From the bustling alleys of the Deira Spice Souq to the polished counters of Bateel, prices and quality vary wildly. Here is your definitive guide to buying the best dates in Dubai and Abu Dhabi this season.
The Shopping Battle: Ajwa vs. Medjool
Walk into any supermarket right now, and you will see two giants dominating the shelves: Ajwa and Medjool. But which one should you buy?
1. Ajwa Dates (The “Holy Date”)
- Best For: Breaking your fast (Sunnah).
- Taste: Soft, dry, and not overly sweet. They have a distinct, almost licorice-like texture.
- Why Buy It: Known for its spiritual significance and high antioxidant content. It is the traditional choice for the first bite at Maghrib.
- 2026 Price Check: Expect to pay between AED 45 – AED 80 per kg depending on the size and origin (Madinah is premium).
2. Medjool Dates (The “King of Dates”)
- Best For: Gifting and desserts.
- Taste: Huge, fleshy, and caramel-sweet. These are the ones that melt in your mouth.
- Why Buy It: Their sheer size makes them impressive. They are often stuffed with walnuts, almonds, or orange peel.
- 2026 Price Check: Premium Palestinian or Jordanian Medjool dates range from AED 50 – AED 110 per kg.
Pro Tip: If you see “Jumbo” or “Super Jumbo” on the box, check the skin. If it’s peeling significantly, the date is drying out. Good Medjool dates should look plump and tight.
Buying in Bulk: Souqs vs. Supermarkets
If you are buying more than 5kg (perhaps for a mosque donation or a large family), skip the hypermarket. You will save 20-30% by heading to the wholesale markets.
1. Waterfront Market (Deira) This is the modern successor to the old Deira Fish Market. It is clean, air-conditioned, and open 24/7. You can taste before you buy. Look for the wholesale dry goods section. Cheap dates in Dubai are found here. You can find decent loose dates starting as low as AED 15-20 per kg if you buy in 5 kg boxes.
2. Deira Spice Souq For the authentic experience, take the abra across the creek. This is a haggling zone. Never accept the first price. Ask for “New Crop” (fresh harvest). Many sellers try to offload last year’s stock to tourists.
3. Buy Dates Online UAE If you want to avoid the traffic, use apps like Kibsons and Amazon.ae have started listing “Ramadan Bulk Packs”. While convenient, you pay a premium for the delivery—usually AED 10-15 extra per kg compared to the Souq.
The Corporate Angle: Luxury Gifting
Nothing says “Ramadan Kareem” to a client like a gold-foiled box of premium dates.
- Bateel Dates Prices: The gold standard. A small gift box starts around AED 65, while their luxury wooden chests can go up to AED 500+. Their “Chocolate Covered Dates” are a corporate favourite.
- The Date Room: A slightly more affordable alternative to Bateel, offering beautiful leather-finish boxes starting at AED 150.
- DIY Gifting: Buy high-quality Medjool dates from the Souq (AED 60/kg) and arrange them yourself in a nice box from Dragon Mart. You save 70% of the cost!
The Health Angle: Why 3 Dates?
You often hear that you should break your fast with 3 dates. This isn’t just tradition; it’s biology.
- Sugar Spike Prevention: After 13 hours of fasting, your blood sugar is low. Dates provide natural fructose that perks you up instantly without the crash of processed sugar.
- Digestion: The fibre in dates wakes up your digestive system gently, preparing your stomach for the main meal.
- Dates for Diabetics: While healthy, dates are high in sugar. Nutritionists recommend sticking to one date for diabetics, preferably paired with a protein (like a walnut) to slow down sugar absorption.
Ready to shop? Whether you choose the luxury of Bateel or the bargain hunt at the Waterfront Market, make sure you buy early. Prices usually spike by 10-15% in the last week of Shaban!
