Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (AL AIN)
The inaugural Al Ain Dates Festival, running until January 8, aims to preserve Emirati heritage and promote the cultural and economic importance of date palms.
Mubarak Al Ketbi, Supervisor of Oases and Aflaj at Al Ain Municipality, spoke to Aletihad about the Municipality's participation in the Al Ain Dates Festival, spotlighting the significance of the event for both the city and its agricultural heritage.
"Al Ain City Municipality is proud to participate in the inaugural Al Ain Dates Festival, showcasing the products of the palm trees from Al Ain City and its oases. Our participation emphasises the importance of the palm tree, which is blessed in every way. Every part of the palm tree has its uses, and nothing goes to waste," he said.
"Our participation is always in line with our dedication to sustainability. The Oases and Aflaj Department plays a crucial role in preserving these oases and promoting the special products of palm trees found within Al Ain's oases," he added.
Al Ketbi further elaborated on the Municipality’s distinctive contributions to the festival. "We consistently participate in all festivals, but what sets us apart today is the presentation of special products made from palm trees, such as chairs and tables. These products are crafted from the palm tree materials that would otherwise be discarded, turning potential waste into valuable, marketable items. This not only reduces waste disposal costs but also provides affordable products for the public," Al Ketbi said.
He stressed that the festival provides significant support to local farmers by directly selling dates and participating in auctions, making it a vital source of income for both individual farmers and farms.
"It is a pleasure to have the Al Ain Dates Festival hosted in such a picturesque location as Al Hili Oasis, and we are honoured to be part of this event. We look forward to continuing our participation in future editions of the festival," he said.
Eng. Ahmed Al Kaabi, Acting Director of the Palm Tree Development Department at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and a member of the jury for the dates competitions at the festival, shared his thoughts on the significance of the event with Aletihad.
"We extend our congratulations on the opening of the inaugural session of the Dates Festival in Al Ain City. The Al Ain Dates Festival celebrates the palm tree — an essential and historically important crop in the region, particularly within the UAE. For generations, our ancestors relied on the palm tree not only for sustenance but also for shelter, and over time, the cultivation of new varieties has led to considerable advancements in this vital sector," Al Kaabi said.
Al Kaabi also highlighted the role of ADAFSA in supporting the agricultural industry. "As an authority dedicated to agriculture in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, we place great importance on the palm tree. Through our guidance centres, we educate farmers on the significance of palm tree preservation, boosting production, and enhancing quality," he said.
Al Kaabi noted that their commitment to community education extends to the broader public, as evidenced by their active involvement in the judging committees for the dates competitions.
"In our capacity as members of the judging committees, we evaluate the dates based on several criteria, including size, colour, cleanliness, and overall quality. We assess the entries carefully, with submissions coming from various farms across the region," he said.
The thorough process ensures that only the finest dates are recognised and celebrated during the festival, he added.
