Al Dhafra Dates Festival 2025 Set to Celebrate Heritage

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the fourth edition of Al Dhafra Dates Festival and Auction will be held from 17 to 26 October 2025 in Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival aims to celebrate Emirati heritage and promote the date industry.

Promoting Date Production and Heritage

The festival seeks to strengthen its position as a leading international heritage event by showcasing premium date varieties, supporting national food security, and encouraging farmers to improve quality standards. It also provides a platform for knowledge exchange in palm cultivation and agricultural practices.

Exciting Competitions and Prizes

The 2025 edition will feature 21 competitions with 173 prizes valued at over AED 5.5 million. Categories include date beauty contests, honey competitions, cooking, date packaging, painting, and photography. These competitions aim to highlight excellence in production, creativity, and presentation within the date and heritage sector.

Daily Date Auction Attracts Enthusiasts

A key highlight of the festival is the daily Date Auction, where visitors can bid on premium Emirati dates of various types and grades presented on dedicated display tables. The auction draws date enthusiasts from across the UAE and internationally, promoting trade and appreciation for high-quality local produce.

Cultural and Educational Activities

In addition to competitions and auctions, the festival offers a wide range of cultural and educational programs. Attendees can enjoy traditional folk performances, exhibitions of photography and paintings, heritage craft displays, awareness lectures, and creative workshops suitable for all age groups.

Retail and Interactive Pavilions

Visitors can explore retail outlets offering dates and date products, as well as farming equipment. A dedicated “Honey Village” will feature local honey producers. Government and private sector entities will participate with pavilions featuring interactive programs, educational platforms for farmers and visitors, and displays of their latest innovations in agriculture.

Guest of Honor: Kingdom of Morocco

This year, the Kingdom of Morocco will be the Guest of Honor at the festival. The partnership highlights cultural and agricultural exchange and strengthens cooperation between the UAE and Morocco, particularly in palm cultivation, date production, and other key sectors.

The festival encourages farmers to adopt improved cultivation and production techniques to enhance date quality and yield. It also aligns with national food security goals by promoting local produce and sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to the UAE’s long-term strategy for agricultural development.

Al Dhafra Dates Festival 2025 continues to celebrate Emirati heritage while providing a platform for international collaboration. Through competitions, auctions, cultural programs, and exchanges with global partners, the festival promotes innovation, tradition, and knowledge sharing within the agricultural and heritage sectors.