One of the most common questions behind any date price search is simple: which date variety is the most expensive, and why can it cost several times more than ordinary dates? As a price reference, we compiled a ranking of the most expensive dates in the world in 2026, with indicative price-per-kilogram figures and their Indonesian market equivalents. Every number here is illustrative rather than binding, because prices move constantly with grade, fruit size, exchange rates, and season.
The World's Most Expensive Dates 2026 (per Kg)
The table below summarizes the cultivars consistently cited as the priciest, with global market ranges and Indonesian retail equivalents. Our reference rates are roughly IDR 16,000 per US dollar and IDR 4,300 per Saudi riyal in the first half of 2026.
| Rank | Variety | Main Origin | Global Price Range | Indonesia Retail (per kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ajwa (top grade) | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | ~80–100 riyal/kg | IDR 250,000–350,000 |
| 2 | Medjool Super Jumbo | Palestine, Jordan, USA | ~60–70 riyal/kg | IDR 200,000–280,000 |
| 3 | Barhi (premium fresh/khalal) | Saudi Arabia, Iraq | ~45–50 riyal/kg | IDR 150,000–196,000 |
| 4 | Mabroom / top-grade Safawi | Madinah, Saudi Arabia | ~35–45 riyal/kg | IDR 130,000–180,000 |
| 5 | Piarom (chocolate dates) | Iran | specialty cultivar | IDR 120,000–170,000 |
| 6 | Sukari (premium grade) | Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia | upper-mid tier | IDR 80,000–95,000 |
The Indonesian equivalents draw on ranges widely cited by media and specialist sellers in 2026, such as Ajwa at IDR 180,000–350,000/kg and premium Medjool up to IDR 280,000/kg per Tempo and several date hubs. To compare every variety we stock, you can check our full date price list page directly.
Why Are Some Dates So Much Pricier?
Premium pricing is not just about a famous name. Several real cost layers stack up:
- Geographic scarcity. Ajwa grows only in specific areas around Madinah. Limited supply against high global demand — partly because of its religious significance as a date named in hadith — lifts its price.
- Fruit size and grade. Larger, uniform, intact fruits fall into higher grades (AAA, VVIP, Jumbo) and represent a smaller yield per tree, raising the per-kilogram price.
- Post-harvest processing. Inland desert regions with low humidity tend to produce larger, superior fruit; drying, sorting, and packaging techniques add market value.
- History and branding. Medjool is nicknamed the "king of dates" and was once royal fare; this historical reputation keeps it in the premium tier.
- Import chain. For Indonesia, all of the above are imported, so the rupiah's rate against the dollar and riyal, logistics costs, and import duty all shape the final price.
Priciest in the World vs Priciest in Indonesia
An important distinction: "most expensive in the world" refers to global market prices (often quoted in riyal), while Indonesian prices can differ due to import costs and local competition. Interestingly, some varieties such as Tunisian and Egyptian dates can be cheaper in Indonesia than in their countries of origin, thanks to fierce competition among traders and efficient online sales. Conversely, premium Ajwa and Medjool tend to stay expensive everywhere because of scarcity and demand.
Does Pricier Always Mean Better?
Not necessarily. A high price reflects scarcity, size, and reputation — not automatically "healthier." Nutritionally, nearly all dates are good sources of fiber, potassium, and natural energy; differences between varieties lie more in texture, sweetness, and moisture. This is educational information, not medical advice. For everyday eating, mid-tier varieties like Sukari or Khalas often deliver the best value: great taste at a far friendlier price.
How to Read a Premium Date Offer
- Make sure the label states variety + grade + pack size; "Ajwa" alone without a grade is hard to price-compare.
- Convert to a per-kilogram price so 500 g, 1 kg, and 5 kg packs compare fairly.
- Be wary of a price that is too low for a premium variety — it may be a lower grade or a blend.
- For bulk buys (hampers, pilgrimage gifts), ask for the wholesale price, which is usually cheaper per kilogram.
Quick Profiles of Three Top-Tier Dates
To give the ranking more meaning, here are brief profiles of the three varieties most often cited as the priciest, with the reasons their prices stay high year after year.
Ajwa: The Black Date of Madinah
Ajwa is a ripe-black date with a soft texture, a delicate caramel flavor, and a hint of spice. Beyond its geographic scarcity, Ajwa carries religious significance because it is named in hadith, so demand stays high all year, not only during Ramadan. At its best quality, the global market price can reach around 100 riyal per kilogram — nearly IDR 390,000 before import costs. In Indonesia, grade A Ajwa generally starts at IDR 180,000/kg, while VVIP Jumbo can touch IDR 350,000/kg.
Medjool: The King of Dates
Medjool is large and meaty, with a rich caramel-toffee flavor. Its "king of dates" nickname comes from a history as royal fare. The Super Jumbo grade with the largest fruit sits at the top of the price range, while standard grades are more affordable. Its global market price is around 70 riyal per kilogram, and in Indonesia premium Medjool ranges from IDR 200,000–280,000/kg.
Barhi: Flexible Across Three Stages
Barhi's distinction is that it can be enjoyed at three ripeness stages: crisp like an apple when young (khalal), soft when half-ripe (rutab), and fully rich when fully ripe (tamr). Premium fresh Barhi sold on the branch can reach about 50 riyal per kilogram on the global market, or roughly IDR 196,000/kg as an equivalent.
Recommendations by Budget
If your goal is a special gift, Ajwa Madinah and Medjool Palestine are the best-known top-tier choices. For everyday family eating on a tighter budget, consider Sukari Al Qassim or Safawi Madinah, which offer a premium taste without the premium price. Compare them all on our price-list guide before deciding, and for large orders our wholesale pricing usually yields a meaningful per-kilogram saving. In short, the world's most expensive dates in 2026 are led by top-grade Ajwa and Medjool Super Jumbo, priced at tens of riyal per kilogram globally and hundreds of thousands of rupiah in Indonesia — and understanding the drivers helps you judge whether an offer is reasonable rather than just famous.
