Dates have been classified based on a sugar-to-water ratio index. In dry dates, this index exceeds 3.5, for semi-dry dates it ranges between 2 and 3.5, and for soft dates, the index is less than 2.

Harvesting dates is a crucial process that plays an important role in determining their market value. Special care should be taken during harvesting to preserve the dates when cutting the date bunches and gently lowering them to the ground to avoid mechanical damage caused by impact. The area around the palm tree trunk should be covered with a clean layer of burlap to protect the dates from coming into contact with dirt and sand.

Date drying is one of the most important processes. It typically relies on plastic drying chambers, which are the same plastic chambers used in agricultural production. However, these chambers have drawbacks, including excessive heat concentration, poor ventilation, and limited mobility. To improve the quality of dried dates in terms of both external and internal appearance and to reduce their exposure to insects, dust, rodents, and birds, there may be a preference for using polycarbonate chambers in some Gulf countries. These chambers help improve certain drying conditions while partially preserving the nutritional benefits of dates.