Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra, the fourth Al Dhafra Date Festival and Auction will begin tomorrow in Zayed City, Al Dhafra. The event runs until 26th October and is organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in partnership with the Serh Group, supported by multiple government and private entities.
Competitions and Prizes
The festival features 21 competitions with a total of 173 prizes worth over AED 5.559 million. Events include the date mazayna competition, as well as contests for honey, cooking, date packaging, painting, and photography. These competitions aim to celebrate Emirati culture, heritage, and excellence in agricultural production.
Morocco as Guest of Honour
This year, the Kingdom of Morocco is the Guest of Honour, highlighting strong bilateral relations, especially in agriculture. The Moroccan Date Village will showcase Moroccan dates and provide visitors an opportunity to purchase premium Moroccan produce. This special participation promotes cultural exchange and strengthens ties between the two nations.
Daily Date Auctions
A daily date auction will allow Emirati dates to be displayed and bid upon by visitors and buyers. These auctions provide a platform for promoting local date varieties and encouraging high-quality date production, supporting farmers and producers in the region.
Honey Village to Promote Local Production
The festival also features a Honey Village, supporting local beekeepers, factory owners, and honey producers. Visitors can explore different types of Emirati honey and learn about production techniques, fostering awareness of domestic honey cultivation and the benefits of supporting local products.
Cultural, Educational, and Entertainment Activities
The festival offers a variety of cultural, entertainment, and educational activities, including traditional art performances, heritage craft exhibitions, photography and art displays, and interactive workshops. Lectures and activities are designed for all age groups, promoting both heritage appreciation and agricultural knowledge.
Retail and Interactive Exhibitions
Visitors can explore retail outlets selling dates, date-based products, and agricultural tools. Several government and private institutions participate with interactive programs and awareness campaigns, showcasing services, innovations, and technological solutions to support farmers and agricultural development in the UAE.
Promoting Agriculture and Heritage
The Al Dhafra Date Festival is a celebration of Emirati heritage and agriculture, providing opportunities for producers to showcase their work and for visitors to experience local culture. By combining competitions, auctions, workshops, and exhibitions, the festival strengthens awareness of traditional practices while supporting modern agricultural development.
Fostering Community Engagement
Through this festival, the UAE aims to engage communities, promote heritage preservation, and support sustainable agricultural practices. With international participation, educational programs, and local producer support, the Al Dhafra Date Festival continues to highlight the cultural, economic, and social importance of dates and honey in Emirati society.
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