About the Council
Who We Are
Built for the Future of Dates
The INTDC unites the world’s foremost date-producing nations under a common framework for data sharing, policy development, and market transparency.
Our Observatory platform represents a landmark achievement in making date industry intelligence accessible to all member states — updated quarterly with live production data from across the globe.
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2018
Council Founded
Founding assembly of 9 member nations establishes the INTDC charter in Riyadh.
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2020
Expanded Membership
Membership grows to 14 nations as North African producers join the council.
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2023
Observatory Initiative Voted
Council votes to establish the centralised data platform function.
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2026
Observatory Goes Live
Interactive statistics platform launches with 9 active member countries.
Our Mission — Goals · Vision
Our Strategic Commitments
The Council’s programme of work is organised under certain standing pillars, renewed at each General Assembly. The current mandate runs 2024–2029.
Our Mission
Driven by a mission centered on collaboration, the IDC supports progress across production, manufacturing, marketing, research, and information exchange. It works to enhance the quality of dates, improve production processes, and empower workers in the sector.
Sustainable Practices
Modern agricultural and food-safety standards across the value chain.
Market Growth
Expanding global market opportunities and increasing trade transparency.
Our Vision
To serve as a central platform that unites experts, producers, and decision-makers to foster global growth of the dates sector and strengthen its economic, nutritional, and sustainable impact. A globally coordinated date palm sector and serving the livelihoods of the communities that have cultivated this fruit for ten thousand years.
A coordinated sector — productive, traceable, resilient and serving the livelihoods of the communities that have cultivated this fruit for ten thousand years.
"Sustainability is the root of our global strategy. We ensure this translates into lasting prosperity for the millions of farmers, traders, and communities whose livelihoods depend on the date palm."
Message from the Director
Message from the Executive Director
At the International Dates Council, we believe that the humble date palm is more than just a source of nutrition; it is a symbol of heritage, resilience, and economic potential.
Our commitment lies in bridge-building—connecting the traditional wisdom of farmers with the precision of modern agricultural science. Together, we are building a more transparent and equitable global market.
Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Khalidi
Executive Director, INTDC
Our Multilateral Structure & Partners
Governance & Structure
The International Dates Council operates through a transparent multilateral governance structure designed to ensure equitable representation and accountability among all member states.
Our Partners
The International Dates Council maintains formal cooperation agreements with leading international organisations, national ministries, and regional bodies working across food, agriculture, trade, and development. Each partnership is established through a signed Memorandum.
Get in Touch
Have questions about membership or date trade data? Reach out to our team.
Main Office
Level 18, Palm Towers
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
