Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, the ninth Liwa Ajman Dates and Honey Festival commenced on Wednesday at the Emirates Hospitality Center.
Organised by the Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD), the event celebrates the significance of palm trees and dates in Emirati culture, supporting local farmers, beekeepers, and artisans.
Running until July 28, the festival offers a rich visitor experience with the participation of 56 exhibitors, including farmers markets and honey shops, along with a diverse array of cultural performances, competitions, and workshops, according to organisers.
Speaking to Aletihad, Yousef Al Mansouri, Supervisor of Tourist Sites, at the ADTD, said that since the launch of the Liwa Ajman Dates and Honey Festival in 2011, it has witnessed remarkable development and has become a major platform for showcasing and promoting local dates and honey products.
He noted that the festival added new features over the years, which improved the visitor experience.
Al Mansouri stressed that the festival is centred on celebrating Emirati heritage and enhancing palm cultivation, dates, and honey production through various educational workshops.
"The festival aims to support local farmers, apiary owners, and small and medium enterprises by providing a platform to market their products, increase their sales, and contribute to achieving local economic development," he said.
It also introduced new categories like "Ajman Palms" for palm tree owners, promoting sustainability and local tourism, and "Ajman Store" showcasing locally themed souvenirs, Al Mansouri noted.
According to the organisers, the main stage of the festival will feature performances by the Ajman Police Military Band, in addition to traditional Ayala dance performances.
Competition Criteria The competition is divided into three categories-Northern Emirates, other emirates, and Ajman-centred contest for dates, citrus fruits, and honey.
With a total prize pool of approximately Dh500,000, the festival offers awards of Dh7,000 for first place, Dh5,000 for second place, and Dh3,000 for third place in each category.
As per ADTD guidelines, candidates must pre-register, submit the necessary documents such as ownership certificate, agricultural land declaration, and present their products.
Participants must provide local dates and citrus fruits from the 2024 season, ensuring they are free of insect infestations and appearance defects.
Additionally, the festival's honey competition evaluates local honey on criteria such as quality, purity, taste, and the absence of impurities or artificial additives.
The festival is open to the public from 10am until 11pm.
