Quick answer: The most popular dates for Ramadan are Ajwa (for its significance and mild taste), Sukkari (the sweetest, great with Arabic coffee), Medjool (large and soft, ideal for children and desserts) and Safawi (rich and chewy). Ramadan 2027 is expected to start around 8 February 2027. Order by mid-January if you are in India, the UK or the USA.
Dates are the traditional way to open the fast, and choosing the right variety makes every Iftar better. Here is a simple guide to the main varieties, what each is best for, how much to buy, and when to order wherever you live.
Ramadan dates compared
| Variety | Origin | Taste and texture | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ajwa | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | Soft, mild, slightly earthy | Opening the fast, gifting elders |
| Sukkari (fresh) | Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia | Soft, juicy, honey-sweet | Iftar with Arabic coffee, children |
| Sukkari (dry) | Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia | Firm, chewy, deep caramel | Pantry stock, keeps longer, baking |
| Medjool | Jericho, Palestine | Large, plump, caramel-like | Desserts, smoothies, Suhoor |
| Safawi | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | Dark, soft and chewy, rich | Everyday Iftar |
| Mabroom | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | Long, firm, gently sweet | Guests, coffee trays |
| Sagai Rutab | Saudi Arabia | Two-tone, caramel-soft | Fresh-season treat, sharing bowls |
How many dates do you need for the month?
A simple way to plan: people × dates per Iftar × 30 days. A medium date weighs roughly 8 to 12 g (Medjool can be 20 g or more). For a family of four eating three dates each, that is about 360 dates, or around 3 to 4 kg. If you host Iftars or share with your mosque, a 5 kg pack of Ajwa or Medjool is the practical choice.
When to order, by country
- UAE: delivery in about 2 days anywhere in the UAE. Order up to the first week of Ramadan, though popular varieties can sell out.
- India: order by mid-January 2027. We ship from the UAE with DHL, Aramex, FedEx or EMX, and the delivery cost and timeline are shown at checkout.
- UK and Europe: order by mid-January 2027 for tracked international delivery before Ramadan.
- USA and Canada: order by early to mid-January 2027, as transit is longer and couriers are busy after the holiday season.
- Australia, Pakistan, the Maldives and other countries: message us with your address and we will confirm the best courier and timing.
Ramadan and Eid gifting
A box of premium dates is one of the most welcome Ramadan and Eid gifts for family, neighbours and colleagues. The Tamooriya Premium Gift Box comes in a metallic copper box with your choice of Ajwa, Medjool, Amber, Sagai or Mabroom. For something more indulgent, our stuffed dates are hand-filled with pistachio, walnut, almonds or orange peel and come in 250 g, 500 g and 1 kg packs.
Tips for enjoying dates during Ramadan
- Open the fast with a few dates and water before the main meal.
- At Suhoor, pair dates with protein and fibre, such as yoghurt, oats or nuts, rather than eating them alone.
- Dates are naturally high in sugar. People managing diabetes should keep portions small and follow their doctor's advice.
- Store soft dates in the fridge in an airtight box, especially in hot climates.
Frequently asked questions
When does Ramadan 2027 start?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February 2027 in the UAE, subject to the official moon sighting. Dates can differ by a day in other countries.
Which dates are best for breaking the fast?
Soft, easy-to-digest dates such as Ajwa, Safawi, Sukkari and Medjool are popular for opening the fast. Ajwa is often chosen for its religious significance, while Sukkari and Medjool are chosen for their sweetness.
How many kilograms of dates does a family need for Ramadan?
As a rough guide, a family of four eating three dates each at Iftar uses about 3 to 4 kg over the month. If you host guests or share at the mosque, a 5 kg pack is more practical.
When should I order dates for Ramadan if I live outside the UAE?
Order by mid-January 2027 for India, the UK, the USA and other international destinations, so courier delays before Ramadan do not affect you. Orders within the UAE can be placed closer to the date.
What is a good Ramadan gift for family or colleagues?
A box of premium dates is a traditional Ramadan and Eid gift. Tamooriya's copper Premium Gift Box and the stuffed dates range (pistachio, walnut, almond and orange peel) are popular choices.
Plan your Ramadan order: browse Ajwa, Sukkari, Medjool and the Premium Gift Box, with delivery across the UAE and worldwide.
