SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The fourth edition of Al Dhafra Date Festival and Auction plays a significant role in promoting a culture of agriculture and interest in palm trees and their products, said Rashid Khadem Al Rumaithi, Director of the Festival and Auction.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the fourth edition of the festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority.
The festival features 21 competitions with 173 prizes valued at more than Dh5.5 million, spanning date beauty contests, honey competitions, cooking, date packaging, painting, and photography.
In an interview with Aletihad, Al Rumaithi said that the festival celebrates the palm tree and its products.
“The festival aims to sustain palm cultivation, preserve agricultural heritage, and provide opportunities for farmers worldwide to exchange expertise, enhancing food security and ensuring its sustainability,” Al Rumaithi said.
He noted that the festival enjoys wide participation from 17 government and private entities, along with 61 shops selling date products and palm seedlings.
Furthermore, the festival hosts 62 shops in the popular market dedicated to heritage products, and 61 shops for dates and palm-related products.
There is also a section showcasing traditional palm industries; displaying everything from traditional dishes and cosmetics to palm frond products.
A key highlight of the event is the daily auction, offering a platform for showcasing the finest Emirati dates directly from farms. “It introduces visitors to the wide variety of Emirati dates and contributes to their global promotion,” he added.
Visitors also get a chance to learn about the developments in honey production at shops at The Honey Village, seeing how innovations are “constantly evolving across all fields.”
This year’s edition welcomes Morocco as the guest of honour, reflecting the depth of ties between the UAE and Morocco.
This recognition, Al Rumaithi said, strengthens ties, encourages the exchange of agricultural expertise, and supports cooperation across vital sectors.
“The Al Dhafra Dates Festival and Auction has become a distinctive landmark, attracting visitors from within the country and abroad. It draws the interest of farmers and producers and has become a heritage event awaited every year, contributing to cultural tourism and highlighting Al Dhafra’s historical importance in agriculture and production.”