Phoenix dactylifera – to give it its proper name – thrives in desert conditions, and produces the deliciously sweet date that is such a staple of Middle East cuisine. There are more than two million date palm trees at AlUla that offer generous harvests of more than 90,000 tonnes of date varieties at the end of every summer. Date palms take their time, however, and grow around one metre per year, often living as long as 150 years. A fully grown date palm can reach 20 metres in height but only produces fruit after around five years.

Fossil records show that the date palm has been in existence for at least 50 million years, but how is it able to tolerate such unforgiving desert conditions? The answer lies underground. Date palms have a wide root system that resembles a mesh which spreads out horizontally underground, enabling it to quickly soak up rainwater before it evaporates. This precious water is then stored in the tree’s thick fibrous trunk, which means the date palm can survive for several months without rainfall.

Long considered a place of tranquility, AlUla is the perfect destination to reflect, disconnect and reinvigorate the body and mind. This annual festival offers a range of uplifting activities, workshops, and experiences to restore physical and emotional balance.