Today's Edition
Sharjah (ALETIHAD)
The Mango Festival 2025, which was held at Expo Khorfakkan over the weekend, highlighted the growth of the UAE’s mango farming sector in the global market.
Held under the theme “Mango: Our Fruit, Our Wealth”, the three-day festival was organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in collaboration with the Municipal Council of Khorfakkan and Khorfakkan City Municipality.
This 4th edition of the event featured the participation of more than 33 farmers and several companies specialising in agriculture and fertilisation. The festival also hosted delegations from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Pakistan and Uganda.
The event was inaugurated by Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Chief of Sharjah Ruler’s Office in Khorfakkan, who accompanied attendees on a tour of the festival, where farmers from across the UAE exhibited over 150 varieties of mango.
He was also briefed on Khorfakkan and the Eastern Region’s key agricultural products, demonstrating the significant progress in mango cultivation as well as the sector’s increasing relevance as a key economic driver for the emirate of Sharjah.
Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, said that the Mango Festival has made significant strides by attracting international participation, facilitating the exchange of the best global practices in mango farming.
“Our goal this year is to bring the theme ‘Mango: Our Fruit, Our Wealth’ to life by equipping farmers with innovative tools, encouraging the adoption of smart and sustainable agriculture, and moving from simply increasing output to improving product competitiveness in the market,” he added.
Dr. Muhammad Abdullah Al-Murr Alnaqbi, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Khorfakkan, highlighted the Council’s commitment to supporting local farmers, promoting eco-tourism, creating new job opportunities for youth, and advancing traditional industries and artisanal crafts that define Khorfakkan’s unique identity.
Khalil Mohammed Al Mansouri, Director of Expo Khorfakkan, noted that the Mango Festival encourages a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs to carry forward their forefathers’ legacy using innovation and future-ready tools.
He said that the festival has succeeded in attracting interest from beyond the UAE, strengthening Khorfakkan and the Eastern Region’s position as a unique agri-tourism destination. This proves that cultural preservation can serve as a strong catalyst for sustainable growth and economic development.
This year’s Mango Festival featured the participation of several leading agricultural companies that showcased their latest innovations and technologies, in addition to the strong presence of local farmers and productive families.
It offered visitors the opportunity to purchase premium mango seedlings and other agricultural plants, while also providing insights into the diverse applications of mango fruit.
This event was held in collaboration with key strategic partners, including the Kalba-based Al Sharqiya TV, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), Bee’ah, and the Department of Social Services.
It featured a diverse prof activities and events, including live heritage-themed performances and expert-led agricultural workshops, in addition to dedicated family zones and interactive learning areas for children to ensure the event caters to all age groups.
Day one of the festival kicked off with the “Best Farmer’s Display” competition, which ran throughout the event and was judged by public vote, with the criteria for each booth to present at least five mango varieties.
The opening day also featured the “Mango Mazayna” (the most beautiful mango) and the “Largest Mango” competitions, both held in a lively atmosphere of friendly rivalry among farmers.
On Saturday, the festival hosted the “Most Beautiful Mango Basket”, while the closing day spotlighted youth involvement with the “Best Agriculture-themed Video” contest, aimed at children aged 7 to 12.
