Bags of dates stacked for sale at Al-Akika market in Thi Qar governorate, a major hub for Shuweithi and other varieties during the harvest season. Photo by 964media.
Shuweithi dates dominate Dhi Qar’s Al-Akika market as traders flock from across Iraq
DHI QAR – Trucks crowded the marketplace in Al-Akika this week as date shipments from Souq al-Shuyoukh, southern Dhi Qar, and Al-Gharraf poured into the town. Merchants say Al-Akika offers easier access than nearby cities, making it a hub for traders from across the country.
Vendors prominently displayed Shuweithi dates—Dhi Qar’s signature variety—in shades of black, yellow, and green. Some were priced at more than 5,000 dinars ($3.55) per kilogram.
“Yellow Shuweithi dates of first grade are one of the best products of Souq al-Shuyoukh, known for their taste and flavor,” trader Anwar Yaqoub told 964media. “In terms of purchases, the yellow Shuweithi comes first, followed by the black variety. Traders from Basra and Amara come here.”
Yaqoub said second-grade black Shuweithi dates sell for about 400,000 dinars ($283.69) per 70 kilograms and are often pressed into 4-kilogram packs for distribution to Baghdad, Basra, Muthanna, and other areas. A premium variety known as Atab, he said, starts at 250,000 dinars ($177.30) and can reach over 600,000 dinars ($425.53), depending on texture and quality. “This type has loyal buyers who won’t choose anything else, and Souq al-Shuyoukh dates are considered the best in Iraq,” he added.
Top-tier black Shuweithi can fetch up to 7,000 dinars ($4.96) per kilogram.
Other varieties on display included Brem, Maktoum, Shukr, Berben, Barhi, and Khadhrawi. The Istamran date, also known as Sayer in Basra, is pressed and packaged in 1-kilogram portions for Ramadan sales.
“The main wholesale market in Al-Akika is a key center because it is close to orchards and away from the traffic of Souq al-Shuyoukh,” said trader Abu Shahid. “Istamran is one of the most requested types, while yellow Shuweithi is preferred by customers for its flavor and high quality. Khadhrawi also sells in several grades, with first grade reaching 100,000 dinars ($70.92) per 70 kilograms, while other grades range between 50,000 ($35.46) and 100,000 dinars ($70.92).”
Trader Abu Muhammad said the demand for yellow Shuweithi remains strong. “We sell first-grade yellow Shuweithi, and we have several grades available. Traders come from other governorates, districts and towns. Most customers prefer Shuweithi because it is higher quality than other types, including Khadhrawi and Istamran,” he said.
Prices for yellow Shuweithi vary by quality, ranging from 130,000 dinars ($92.20) to 200,000 dinars ($141.84) per 70 kilograms.