In 2025, dates are stealing the spotlight. As Ramadan begins, this desert gem—sweet, humble, and sacred—is sparking a global frenzy.

From Egypt’s Nile banks to Saudi Arabia’s holy lands, Iran’s Persian markets to Algeria’s Saharan oases, and Iraq’s war-weary streets, demand is hitting fever pitch.

These nations aren’t just date growers; they’re the world’s export titans. When their prices wobble or supplies tighten, the ripple hits every corner of the international market. With the holy month begins, shopkeepers haggle and housewives fret—how much will that iftar staple cost this time?

Let’s dive into the bazaars of the top date producers and see what’s on offer for Ramadan 2025.

Egypt: Pharaohs’ golden hoard

Egypt reigns supreme in date production, its Nile-kissed groves bursting with variety. A kilo here runs 70 to 600 Egyptian pounds—170 to 1,400 taka in Bangladeshi currency. In Cairo’s bustling markets, rich and poor alike jostle for a taste, their bags heavy with this ancient treasure.

Saudi Arabia: Sacred sweetness

In the land of Mecca and Medina, dates are more than food—they’re devotion. Khalas, Sukkari, and Ajwa roll off tongues and into hearts. Jeddah’s stalls price Safavi at 20 riyals (584 taka), Al-Saki at 25 riyals (730 taka), and Ajwa—the “Prophet’s date”—at a princely 70 riyals (2,046 taka). A box of raw dates? 30-45 riyals. Al-Ahsa’s Khalas tempts at 60 riyals, while Qasim’s elite Khalas hits 120 riyals—a treat for the well-heeled.

Iran: Persian allure

Iran’s date markets are buzzing, with prices climbing to 200,000-600,000 rials (576-1,730 taka) per kilo. In Tehran’s winding lanes, this fruit reigns as Ramadan’s star, blending flavor with affordability in a dance of supply and demand.

Algeria: Sahara’s sweet gold

From Algeria’s desert sands, dates fetch 500-1,500 dinars (400-1,345 taka) a kilo. “A handful keeps you going all day,” locals swear—a Ramadan companion like no other.

Iraq: Tigris’ resilient bounty

In Iraq, dates hold steady at 5,000-15,000 dinars (463-1,400 taka). Even amid conflict, Baghdad’s markets pulse with unwavering demand—proof of this fruit’s enduring sweetness in tough times.

Tunisia: Mediterranean magic

Tunisia’s coastal groves yield dates at 6.7-26 dinars (256-1,000 taka). Nature seems to handcraft their flavour—a key supplier for Bangladesh’s own iftar tables.

Oman: Sultan’s delight

Oman’s markets gleam with dates at 2.19-6.26 riyals (690-1,975 taka). In Muscat, they’re polished and ready, awaiting Ramadan’s call.

Sudan: Nile’s quiet gift

Sudan prices them at 2,914-4,622 pounds (600-1,000 taka). Here, dates are a lifeline for the poor, more than just a meal.

United Arab Emirates: Dubai’s dazzle

In the UAE, a kilo goes for 20-35 dirhams (661-1,155 taka). Dubai’s sheen meets the date’s simplicity—a perfect iftar match.

Indonesia: Island abundance

The world’s largest Muslim nation offers dates at 58,576-67,935 rupiah (434-505 taka). Affordable and abundant, they’re Ramadan-ready for all.

Pakistan: Neighbour’s variety

Pakistan’s spread is wide—300-5,000 rupees (130-2,159 taka). From Karachi’s bustle to Lahore’s charm, dates cater to every purse.

India: Next-door bounty

India’s range? 300-2,000 rupees (416-2,773 taka). Kolkata’s alleys to Delhi’s stalls—dates unite iftars nationwide.

As the Ramadan moon peeks over the horizon, the date price race heats up. Will it be Saudi’s regal Ajwa, Tunisia’s subtle delight, or Pakistan’s wallet-friendly pick gracing your table? While markets play their numbers game, one thing’s certain: this tiny fruit will sweeten our fasts, tying us to a global tradition that’s as old as the sands.