ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is set to host the third edition of the Liwa Date Festival and Auction in Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra Region, from 11-20 October 2024.
The Liwa Date Festival and Auction will feature a range of events designed to support the agricultural sector and bolster the date industry across the UAE. These include competitive events, auctions, and the traditional dates mazayna, alongside culinary contests and date packaging competitions.
Additional activities include drawing and photography sessions, informative lectures, and training programmes catering to different age groups. Government and private sector organisations will also be present, offering interactive pavilions and educational platforms for both farmers and visitors.
The festival underscores the commitment of the UAE leadership to enhancing the agricultural sector's contribution to the economy of Abu Dhabi. By providing a specialised platform for farm owners to market Emirati dates and exchange knowledge on modern farming techniques and palm tree care, the event reflects the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It also aligns with the Abu Dhabi government’s objective to support sustainable agricultural development and elevate the UAE's global leadership in this sector while preserving its cultural and agricultural heritage.
In its third edition, the festival will host the Republic of Iraq as a guest of honour, fostering stronger ties and agricultural cooperation between the two nations. This partnership aims to enhance collaboration in vital sectors and facilitate the exchange of expertise in agriculture.
The Liwa Date Festival and Auction has established itself as a premier international heritage event promoting the production and processing of dates, and highlighting premium varieties, to support the UAE’s food security strategy. The festival motivates farmers and producers to enhance product quality while also facilitating knowledge exchange and advancing research in palm tree cultivation.