Ahmed Salem Soudin: Arab Dates Industry a Strategic Asset With Potential for 40 Byproducts

The Arab date sector is no longer merely a traditional agricultural activity but has emerged as a strategic industry with strong potential to compete globally—provided that quality, manufacturing, and innovation are prioritized. This was the message from Ahmed Salem Soudin, Executive Head of the Gulf Cooperation Council office at the Arab Dates Union, a specialized federation under the Arab Economic Unity Council of the Arab League, in an exclusive interview with See.

“What we want from Europe is a genuine partnership based on fair trade and technology transfer in packaging and marketing, along with access to new markets,” Soudin said. “European consumers are seeking innovative, high-quality products such as date-filled chocolates, date juices, and cosmetics derived from palm components.”

Soudin emphasized the health benefits of dates, describing them as a natural remedy and a healthier alternative to refined sugar, with promising applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. He noted that dates can also be used to produce high-quality medical alcohol, while new innovations are emerging—such as palm sugar production in Saudi Arabia and date-flavored ice cream.

According to Soudin, dates can be transformed into more than 40 different products, ranging from syrups and juices to chocolates, sugar, and beauty products. “Quality is the key to accessing global markets,” he stressed. “Consumers will only welcome superior products.”

He further pointed out that some varieties of dates are still used as animal feed, underscoring the need to channel them into industrial applications. Palm byproducts, he added, could be converted into value-added goods such as fertilizers, wood, and household furniture.

Soudin called for stronger investment in the sector. “The industry requires robust infrastructure, including land to cultivate international varieties, as well as access to water, fertilizers, and seedlings that meet global demand,” he said.

Highlighting the growing international competition, he noted that China and Thailand have already taken significant steps in date production. He urged Arab nations to act quickly to secure a competitive position in the global market.

Ahmed Salem Soudin in an exclusive interview with See

Ahmed Salem Soudin in an exclusive interview with See

Ahmed Salem Soudin in an exclusive interview with See