Datesالتمور

Egypt produces one of the largest date harvests in the world, gathered from many millions of date palms spread across the country. The palms thrive in Egypt's hot, dry climate, particularly in the oases of the Western Desert, the Nile Valley, and the Delta. This enormous output makes dates one of Egypt's most abundant fruits and gives the country a leading place among the world's great date-growing nations.

The date palm appears in ancient Egyptian art and was valued by the pharaohs for its fruit, shade, and materials. That deep heritage endures: dates remain a beloved part of Egyptian food and culture, especially as a staple for breaking the fast during Ramadan. Many varieties are grown, from soft to dry types, each with its own use — eaten fresh, dried, or made into syrups and sweets.

Beyond feeding the home market, Egyptian dates are an increasingly important export, sold across the Arab world and further afield. Efforts to improve processing, packing, and quality aim to capture more value from this huge harvest and grow its place in global markets. As one of the country's signature crops, the date embodies the link between Egypt's agriculture and its ancient roots.

• What it is: one of the world's leading date harvests.
• Arabic name: التمور (Dates).
• Source: millions of palms in the valley, Delta, and oases.
• Heritage: cultivated since pharaonic times.
• Role: a staple food, especially in Ramadan.
• Trade: a growing export across the region.

Sources include recent official and industry reports on Egyptian agriculture (current as of 2026). Figures are approximate.