Date traders see quite a rise in sales of the fruit during winter at Mina Dates Market because the influx of tourists means they are doing brisk business.
It seems the little fruit serves as a great gift for family back home wanting a flavour of the Middle East as visitors throng the market between December and March.
The traders say most of their business is from Asians who have travelled from as far afield as China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Taiwan and India. Most are on day trips to the capital from Dubai.
"Business during the winter is very good and we earn much profit," said Basheer Noushad of the Ali Ashoor Dates Company. "Tourists who flock to the market particularly love dry dates and buy in bulk to present to their relatives as gifts."
He said summer brought different customers, but business remained decent.
"The number of tourists goes down but our business remains good because this is the main season for dates in the Emirates," Mr Noushad said. "At that time, we showcase a variety of ripe dates, which are very popular among locals and Arabs."
