Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the 21st edition of the Liwa Date Festival kicks off tomorrow. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, this vibrant event will take place in Liwa, in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, and will run until July 27. The festival serves as a pivotal platform connecting farmers, businesses, and investors linked to palm date cultivation, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the field.
Celebrating Agricultural Heritage
The Liwa Date Festival is not merely a celebration of dates; it underscores the latest agricultural practices while promoting sustainability within the sector. It aims to support local farmers who cultivate dates and other agricultural products, reinforcing the historical significance of the date palm in Emirati culture. By coinciding with the date-harvesting season, the festival emphasizes the importance of the date palm as a national symbol and its contribution to the local economy.
A Message of Sustainability
His Excellency Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, stated that the Liwa Date Festival embodies the UAE’s vision for sustainability through the preservation of heritage and the promotion of date cultivation as a symbol of environmental and economic wealth. He noted that the festival honors the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the nation’s agricultural renaissance, while realizing the leadership’s commitment to supporting agriculture and conserving heritage linked to the date palm.
Competitions and Family Activities
This year’s edition features numerous competitions with total prizes exceeding AED 8.735 million. Among the 24 categories, there are 12 dedicated to dates, including competitions for various types such as “Dabbas,” “Khlais,” and “Khanizi.” Additionally, there are seven fruit competitions focusing on local varieties of lemons, mangoes, and figs, alongside contests for the best model farms. The festival is designed to be family-friendly, offering a range of traditional and heritage activities that strengthen community bonds and foster intergenerational connections.
Supporting Local Community and Heritage
The festival will host a traditional market featuring 50 stalls dedicated to local products and crafts, supporting local families and entrepreneurs in the Al Dhafra region. There will also be 14 live workshops led by artisans showcasing their skills and knowledge in front of visitors. With numerous stalls selling dates, palm seedlings, and agricultural tools, the festival aims to educate and engage children in their heritage through interactive activities, while also offering daily performances of folk arts.