Until the discovery of oil, the economy of Dubai was built primarily on pearls and dates. The latter of course is the greatest of all dried fruits, the loveliness of sweet but not too sweet with a texture that is unmatched by other fruits. You cannot escape the date in Dubai. It is a staple in every grocery store, peddled in kiosks in every mall, and featured in every duty free shop in the airport. It is found humbly in bulk, next to the spices and nuts and prepared foods; and it is found in more elegant variations, stuffed with almonds, or wrapped in chocolate.
In the United States, the most common variety of date is the Majdoul from Jordan, and indeed this is considered by many (according to some Internet research) as the premium variety. For many years, this was the only date that I knew and enjoyed. However, on recent trips to Dubai, I have had the opportunity to sample different varieties that are either unavailable in the US, or very difficult to find (I have not necessarily sought them but I have not seen them either).
All of these dates were purchased from the Carrefour bulk counter at Mirdif City Centre. I didn’t try every variety – certainly not the Majdoul, since I knew that one, and certainly not the Ajwah, since that seemed unreasonably expensive. For an idea of the prices, the UAE dirham is pegged to the dollar at 3.67 dirhams per 1 USD. So you are looking at about between $3.50 and $7.00 a pound – except for the Ajwah, which clocks in at $16 a pound.
Sofry from Saudi Arabia
A chewier variety with some honey overtones
Safawi from Saudi Arabia
Not as sweet and unremarkable compared to the other varieties.
Sagai from Saudi Arabia
Quite unique, with a candy like top that crumbles like candy corn. It’s not as sweet and there are toffee-like overtones.
Fardh from UAE
Softer and similar in taste and texture to the Majdoul.
Khudri from UAE
Also a softer variety with a floral flavor.
Mabroom from Saudi Arabia
Quite chewy with a texture similar to a natural fruit roll-up.