Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the inaugural Al Wathba Date Festival will take place from August 3 to 9, 2026. This event is part of the Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival, held in the Al Wathba area of Abu Dhabi, and is organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority.
Festival Overview and Significance
During a press conference held at the Events Theatre of the Al Ain Dates Festival, Abdullah Mubarak Al-Muhairi, Acting Director General of the Authority, announced key details about the first edition of the festival. The event will feature 18 competitions and offer a total of 240 prizes, amounting to an impressive total of AED 5,677,000.
Continued Legacy of Sheikh Zayed
In his address, Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Festivals and Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, highlighted that the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour exemplifies the leadership’s commitment to promoting palm cultivation and supporting Emirati farmers. This initiative continues the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision focused on agricultural development and the pivotal role of the palm tree in the community’s life.
A Seasonal Celebration of Dates
The Al Wathba Date Festival is the third event in the “Date Season 2026,” which began with the 22nd Liwa Date Festival and continued with the inaugural Al Ain Dates Festival. It aims to demonstrate the interconnectedness of agricultural environments within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi while considering the diversity of produce across various regions, allowing farmers to showcase their products and share expertise in multiple venues.
Supporting Farmers and Local Production
The festival’s objectives align with those established in its earlier counterparts by supporting date farmers, encouraging improvements in local production quality, and highlighting best agricultural practices. Additionally, it seeks to preserve the heritage associated with palm cultivation and pass knowledge and skills to new generations.
Exciting Competitions Await
The festival will include ten competitions focused on date quality, featuring categories such as the Nobles of Abu Dhabi Dates, Nobles of Al Wathba Dates, Khalas, and Lulu from the Abu Dhabi region. Other competitions will include the largest ‘Adhaj’, home-grown and various lemons, locally grown and assorted mangoes, as well as yellow and red figs.
Encouraging Participation Through Technology
Farmers and enthusiasts are encouraged to register for the festival’s competitions via the “Falk Al Namos” app, which allows users to submit applications, review regulations, check competition dates, and follow results and updates.
A Commitment to Heritage and Sustainability
The organisation of the festival reflects the UAE’s deep-rooted appreciation for the palm tree and its products, recognising them as symbols of abundance and integral components of national heritage and identity. Furthermore, it plays a vital role in enhancing food security and achieving sustainable agricultural development in the region.