Residents at a date distribution event at Umm Suqeim Majlis, part of the “Kharayef Al Rutab” initiative, said the campaign brought back childhood memories linked to the familiar “karton al rutab” — a seasonal staple that still forms part of the UAE’s summer heritage.
A community initiative to revive summer heritage
The initiative is being held in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The Community Development Authority in Dubai has launched the second annual edition of its community initiative “Kharayef Al Rutab” under the شعار “From our palms to our people”, aimed at reviving the heritage associated with the summer season and distributing local agricultural produce to target families.
Activities run throughout the rutab season in community majlises, and include awareness sessions highlighting the significance of the palm tree in Emirati culture and the importance of preserving the folk heritage tied to the hot season.
More than 100 volunteers and 10 distribution sites
Sheikha Al Germani, executive director of the Social Development Sector at the Community Development Authority in Dubai, told Emarat Al Youm that more than 100 volunteers are taking part in the Umm Suqeim edition of “Kharayef Al Rutab”. They represent government entities and volunteer teams, alongside national farms providing rutab varieties including “Khalas”, “Barhi”, “Khneizi” and “Khatiri”.
She said the initiative covers 10 locations across Dubai for distribution, including six community majlises, as well as Dhakhr clubs, fishermen’s majlises and the Hatta community centre, within an organised distribution plan designed to ensure the produce reaches the intended groups and brings joy during the summer season.
She added that the initiative draws inspiration from one of the UAE’s most notable seasonal traditions — the harvest of rutab — and turns it into a community effort that strengthens the values of generosity and solidarity for which Emirati society is known, helping pass this heritage on to younger generations and linking it with volunteer and humanitarian practices that reinforce national identity.
Reviving the custom of sharing the first rutab
Abdullah Hamad, director of the Customer Relations Management Department at Dubai Municipality and a member of the executive team of the Emirates Food Bank, said the initiative aims to preserve the summer season, one of the most important Emirati traditions associated with the hot months, because “Al Qayz” is the season of “al-tabashir” and the first appearance of rutab.
He added that the custom of distributing rutab at its first ظهور among family, neighbours and friends is a long-standing social value in Emirati society, noting that the initiative seeks to revive this practice and ensure it continues among community members, reflecting the spirit of closeness and social connection.
Childhood memories stirred by boxes of rutab
For many recipients, the boxes of rutab carried a strong emotional resonance. Aml Mohammed said a box of “Khneizi” rutab brought back childhood memories of climbing palm trees with neighbourhood children to gather rutab during the summer season, stressing that these customs reflect family cohesion and community solidarity.
Amir Al Bloushi said the arrival of community members to collect their “karton al rutab” reminded him of his grandfather, who owns a farm with many palm trees and used to harvest rutab every season. He added that his fondest memory is watching the fruits fall from the top of the palm before gathering them with the other children.
He noted that the box he received today contains “Khalas” rutab, his favourite variety, adding that he will share it with his grandfather, who has extensive knowledge of rutab types and is keen to eat it regularly.
Abbas Al Darwish, who also received “Khalas” rutab, praised the initiative and its role in reviving Emirati heritage and preserving authentic customs and traditions.
He added that one of the traditions he still follows is storing surplus rutab from the summer season in the freezer to enjoy during winter, noting that he also makes sure to teach his children the basics of gathering rutab and how to preserve it.
Volunteers highlight cultural awareness and family values
Volunteer Aisha Abdullah said she took part in “Kharayef Al Rutab” because she wanted to introduce members of the community to Emirati heritage and the customs and traditions associated with the summer season.
She added that one of the moments that made her happiest was seeing beneficiaries open the rutab boxes and read the message inside, which expresses pride in Emirati heritage and the importance of sharing it with others.
She also said she noticed a strong family spirit among many beneficiaries, who were keen to share the rutab with their relatives, reflecting the values of family cohesion in Emirati society.
Her volunteering experience, she said, also gave her the opportunity to exchange knowledge about rutab and its varieties, adding that “Khneizi” proved particularly popular because of its reddish-brown colour and intensely sweet taste, which make it one of the most favoured types among many people.
Volunteer Ashjan Al Karawi said her participation came with encouragement from her university, in support of volunteer work and community involvement through the Emirates Volunteer platform, which she said gives different segments of society and nationalities the opportunity to join volunteer initiatives.
She added that people of various nationalities showed strong interest in learning about Emirati culture and folk heritage, reflecting the initiative’s role in promoting cultural exchange and strengthening national identity.