Abu Dhabi Dates Market in Ramadan – in pictures

Residents shop during Ramadan at the Abu Dhabi Dates Market. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
Residents shop during Ramadan at the Abu Dhabi Dates Market. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
Thousands of dates are usually sold at shops in Abu Dhabi's vibrant market in the run-up to Ramadan.
Thousands of dates are usually sold at shops in Abu Dhabi's vibrant market in the run-up to Ramadan.
Muslim worshippers traditionally break their fast with water and dates.
Muslim worshippers traditionally break their fast with water and dates.
The holy month is peak season for sales of the fruit across the Muslim world.
The holy month is peak season for sales of the fruit across the Muslim world.
Many vendors manage to shift hundreds of boxes of dates in a matter of days.
Many vendors manage to shift hundreds of boxes of dates in a matter of days.
Some expect to sell about 2,000 boxes throughout the holy month.
Some expect to sell about 2,000 boxes throughout the holy month.
Nuts and date vendors at the Abu Dhabi Dates Market.
Nuts and date vendors at the Abu Dhabi Dates Market.
Sales of dates in Ramadan can amount to more than 10 times those of an ordinary month.
Sales of dates in Ramadan can amount to more than 10 times those of an ordinary month.
Prices tend to remain the same.
Prices tend to remain the same.
Of the many varieties, ajwa dates are among the most popular, with sales of medjool, mabroom and khalas dates also doing well.
Of the many varieties, ajwa dates are among the most popular, with sales of medjool, mabroom and khalas dates also doing well.
Abu Dhabi Dates Market stalls and shops tend to be much busier than usual during Ramadan.
Abu Dhabi Dates Market stalls and shops tend to be much busier than usual during Ramadan.