Types of Dates from Madinah: 8 Varieties Explained

Walk through the date market near Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah and you'll see dozens of baskets piled high with dates in every shade, from pale gold to jet black. For many visitors, it's the first time they realise how many types of dates there are, and how different each one tastes.

Madinah has been famous for its palm groves since before the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and today it is still one of the most important date-growing regions in the world. In this guide we explain eight of the best-known types of dates you'll find in Madinah: their colour, size, texture and taste, what each one is best for, and how to choose the right variety for your family.

Why Madinah Is Famous for Dates

Madinah sits in a fertile oasis in the Hejaz region of western Saudi Arabia. Its volcanic soil, underground water and long, hot summers create ideal conditions for date palms. Before Islam, the city was known as Yathrib, and its people were farmers whose wealth came largely from their palm gardens.

Dates were part of daily life for the Prophet ﷺ and his Companions. They broke their fasts with them, gave them in charity and shared them with guests. The Prophet ﷺ used to break his fast with fresh dates, or dried dates if fresh ones were not available (Sunan Abu Dawud 2356). Several Madinah varieties are mentioned by name in hadith, which is one reason Muslims around the world still treasure dates from the Prophet's city.

How Date Varieties Differ

Before we look at each type, it helps to know what makes one date different from another:

• Colour: from golden yellow to deep reddish-brown and black.
• Size: from small, round dates to very large ones the length of a thumb.
• Moisture: dates are often described as soft, semi-dry or dry, depending on how much moisture they keep.
• Sweetness: some varieties taste like caramel or honey, others are milder and less sugary.
• Texture: melt-in-the-mouth, chewy, or firm and fibrous.

These differences come from the variety itself, the farm, the harvest stage and how the dates are dried and stored.

8 Types of Dates from Madinah

1. Ajwa: The Most Treasured Madinah Date

Ajwa is the date most closely linked with Madinah. It is small to medium, round to slightly oval, and deep brown to almost black, with a finely wrinkled skin. Its taste is mild and balanced, with notes of prune and raisin, and its texture is soft and slightly chewy.

Ajwa is special to Muslims because of the hadith: "Whoever eats seven Ajwa dates in the morning will not be harmed by poison or magic on that day" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5445; Sahih Muslim 2047). Many people eat seven Ajwa dates each morning following this Sunnah.

Best for: the Sunnah of seven dates, iftar, gifting and daily eating.
Shop: Premium Grade A Ajwa Dates (SAR 70) or our top-grade Ajwa Aliyah (SAR 100). Learn more in our full guide: What Are Ajwa Dates?

2. Safawi: Dark, Moist and Great Value

Safawi dates come from Madinah's palm groves and are a favourite among local families. They are medium-sized and slightly elongated, with a very dark brown to black colour. Safawi is soft and moist, with a rich, satisfying sweetness that is stronger than Ajwa.

Because both are dark Madinah dates, Safawi is sometimes confused with Ajwa. The easy difference: Safawi is longer, moister and sweeter, while Ajwa is rounder, drier and more subtle.

Best for: everyday eating, iftar for large families and baking.
Shop: Safawi Dates (SAR 45).

3. Ambar: One of Madinah's Largest Dates

Ambar (also spelled Anbara or Anbar) is one of the largest date varieties grown in Madinah. Its dark brown fruit is long and plump, with a thin skin and a small seed in relation to its size. The flesh is chewy, meaty and deliciously sweet, with a rich, deep flavour.

Ambar is often considered a luxury date in Saudi Arabia and is popular for serving to guests and giving as a gift.

Best for: guests, Eid platters, gift boxes and special occasions.
Shop: Ambar Dates (SAR 70).

4. Suga'i: The Two-Toned Date

Suga'i (also written Sagai or Saghai) is one of the easiest dates to recognise. Its tip is light golden and crisp, while the base deepens to a soft, darker brown, giving each date a beautiful two-toned look.

Its flavour is balanced: lightly sweet with a pleasant contrast between the firmer top and the softer bottom. Suga'i is popular in Saudi homes with Arabic coffee.

Best for: serving with coffee, gatherings and anyone who enjoys a mix of textures.
Shop: Suga'i Dates (SAR 50).

5. Mabroom: Slender, Chewy and Less Sweet

Mabroom dates are long and slender, with a reddish-brown colour and a slightly wrinkled skin. They are chewy and firm rather than sticky, and noticeably less sweet than most varieties, with a subtle caramel flavour.

Date connoisseurs often prize Mabroom for its refined taste. Because of its slim shape, you also get more dates per kilo.

Best for: people who prefer a less sugary date, suhoor and snacking.
Shop: Mabroom Dates (SAR 70).

6. Sukkari: The Soft "Queen of Dates"

Sukkari takes its name from the Arabic word for sugar, and it lives up to it. These golden-brown dates are soft, sweet and often described as melt-in-the-mouth. Sukkari is most closely associated with the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia, but it is one of the most popular dates sold in Madinah and across the Kingdom.

Sukkari is available in soft (rutab) and drier, crunchier (mufattal) styles.

Best for: children, anyone with a sweet tooth, and desserts.
Shop: Sukkari Dates (SAR 50).

7. Medjool: The Large "King of Dates"

Medjool is famous worldwide for its size and rich, caramel-like sweetness. It is very large, plump and soft, with an amber to dark brown skin. Medjool originally comes from Morocco, but it is now grown in many countries, including farms in Saudi Arabia.

One Medjool can be the size of two smaller dates, so it is perfect when you want a generous, indulgent bite.

Best for: stuffing with nuts, desserts, smoothies and guests.
Shop: Premium Medjool Dates (SAR 60). Compare it with Ajwa in our Ajwa vs Medjool guide.

8. Barni: A Date Mentioned in Hadith

Barni is a traditional, rounded date with a golden to reddish-brown colour and a soft, sweet flesh. It is grown in Madinah and other parts of Arabia, and it appears in an authentic hadith: Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) once brought the Prophet ﷺ some Barni dates, which led to the Prophet's well-known teaching on fair trade in dates (Sahih al-Bukhari 2312).

Barni is less widely exported than other Madinah varieties, but it is a lovely date to try if you visit Madinah. It is not currently part of our online range.

Best for: trying a traditional Madinah variety with a link to the Sunnah.

Types of Dates Compared

How to Choose the Right Type of Date

With so many varieties, the best choice depends on how you'll use them:

• For the Sunnah and spiritual connection: choose Ajwa.
• For everyday iftar on a budget: Safawi gives excellent value.
• For a sweet treat or children: Sukkari or Medjool.
• For a less sugary date: Mabroom.
• For guests and gifts: Ambar, Ajwa Aliyah or Medjool.
• For serving with Arabic coffee: Suga'i or Sukkari.

Many families buy two or three types and keep a mixed plate on the table, especially during Ramadan. See our best dates for Ramadan guide and our article on how many iftar dates to buy for your family.

Fresh, Soft and Dry: The Stages of a Date

Dates are often sold at different stages of ripeness, which changes how they look and taste:

• Khalal: the firm, crunchy, colourful stage (yellow or red), eaten fresh in early summer.
• Rutab: the half-ripe, soft and juicy stage, very popular during the harvest season.
• Tamr: the fully ripe, naturally dried stage. Most dates sold around the world, including the varieties above, are eaten at this stage because they keep well all year.

In Madinah, most varieties are harvested from late summer, and the date markets are busiest around this season and before Ramadan.

How to Store Different Types of Dates

• Soft dates such as Sukkari, Medjool and Safawi stay fresh longest in the fridge in an airtight container.
• Semi-dry dates such as Ajwa, Mabroom and Suga'i keep well at room temperature in a cool, dry place for several weeks, and longer in the fridge.
• All dates can be frozen for long-term storage and thawed at room temperature.
• Keep varieties separate so softer dates don't make firmer ones sticky.

Tips for Buying Genuine Madinah Dates

• Know your variety: learn the colour, size and texture of the dates you want, so you can spot mislabelled ones.
• Check the source: buy from a seller who sources directly from Madinah farms.
• Compare grades, not just prices: premium grades cost more because of size and quality.
• Look at the packaging: clean, sealed packs with clear variety names are a good sign.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of dates are there?

There are hundreds of date varieties worldwide, and Saudi Arabia alone grows many dozens. Some of the best-known types found in Madinah are Ajwa, Safawi, Ambar, Suga'i, Mabroom, Sukkari, Medjool and Barni.

Which type of date is from Madinah?

Ajwa is the date most closely associated with Madinah. Safawi, Ambar, Suga'i, Mabroom and Barni are also grown in Madinah's palm groves.

What is the best type of date?

It depends on your taste. Ajwa is the most treasured for its link to the Sunnah, Medjool and Sukkari are the sweetest and softest, and Mabroom suits people who prefer a less sweet date.

Which dates are the sweetest?

Sukkari and Medjool are generally the sweetest, followed by Safawi and Ambar. Mabroom and Ajwa have a milder, less sugary taste.

What is the difference between Ajwa and Safawi dates?

Both are dark Madinah dates, but Ajwa is rounder, slightly drier and milder in taste, while Safawi is longer, moister and sweeter. Safawi is also more affordable.

Which type of date is best for Ramadan?

Ajwa is a popular choice for iftar because of its connection to the Sunnah. Safawi and Mabroom are excellent everyday options, and many families buy a mix of varieties for the month.

Are Medjool dates from Madinah?

Medjool originally comes from Morocco, but it is now grown in many countries, including Saudi Arabia. It is widely sold alongside traditional Madinah varieties.

Which date is best for gifting?

Ajwa Aliyah, Ambar and Medjool are popular gift choices because of their size, quality and premium appearance.

Conclusion

From the treasured Ajwa to the two-toned Suga'i, the slender Mabroom and the generous Ambar, Madinah's dates offer a variety of flavours and textures for every taste. Knowing the types of dates helps you choose the right one for iftar, everyday snacking, guests or gifts, and makes it easier to recognise genuine Madinah dates.

Why not try a few varieties and find your family's favourite? Browse our dates, all available in 1 kg packs.