Sheikh Hamdan Visits 4th Al Dhafra Date Festival and Auction

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, visited the 4th Al Dhafra Date Festival and Auction, which is organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority. The festival is one of the most important events in the region that celebrates the UAE’s agricultural traditions and supports farmers in improving the quality of their produce. Sheikh Hamdan’s visit reflected his commitment to encouraging local farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture, and preserving Emirati heritage.

During his visit, Sheikh Hamdan praised the festival’s role in empowering farmers and date producers to improve the quality of their products. He highlighted how the event motivates participants to adopt modern farming methods and achieve better yields, contributing to the nation’s food security goals. His Highness noted that supporting the agricultural sector is an essential part of the UAE’s development vision, as it strengthens self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on imported goods. He added that events like this help farmers compete in local and global markets, boosting confidence in Emirati produce.

Sheikh Hamdan also toured the festival grounds and visited several exhibition booths. He reviewed the efforts made by participants to promote Emirati dates, honey, and other local agricultural products. The displays showcased various varieties of dates and honey, as well as innovative methods of palm cultivation and date processing. His Highness expressed appreciation for the creativity and dedication shown by the participants, noting that such efforts help maintain the UAE’s reputation for high-quality agricultural products.

The festival also served as a platform for exchanging knowledge and encouraging innovation among farmers. It highlighted the latest technologies in irrigation, pest control, and organic farming that help improve productivity while protecting the environment. Sheikh Hamdan acknowledged these advances as vital for sustainable development and urged continued collaboration between agricultural experts and farmers to ensure long-term growth.

Accompanying Sheikh Hamdan during his visit were Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Undersecretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in the Al Dhafra Region; Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority; Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Festivals and Events Sector at the authority; and a number of senior officials. Their presence underlined the leadership’s support for initiatives that protect national heritage, empower farmers, and strengthen food security across the UAE.