The 22nd edition of Liwa Date Festival opened to a strong turnout from farmers, productive families and visitors, with around three tonnes of dates received on the first day across the event’s various competitions in Liwa City, in the Al Dhafra Region. The festival combines agricultural contests with heritage-focused programming, highlighting the enduring place of the palm tree in Emirati life.
Strong start for date competitions
The date beauty contests drew notable participation, with judging panels receiving 42 entries in the “Debas” competition, 14 entries in “Kharaif Al Bayt”, and 24 entries in the “Largest Bunch” competition. The level of competition reflects farmers’ commitment to improving crop quality and preserving the heritage of palm cultivation.
On the opening day, winners of the “Largest Bunch” competition were crowned after contests focused on size and quality. First place went to a bunch weighing 113.2 kilogrammes, while second place was taken by a bunch weighing 106.1 kilogrammes, and third place by a bunch weighing 97.3 kilogrammes.
A festival with a broad agricultural and heritage scope
Competition results for the remaining categories are set to be announced in the coming days, as the festival continues with entries across a range of sections, including dates, fruit and model farms. The programme is designed to strengthen the visibility of the local agricultural sector and showcase farmers’ expertise in caring for palms and producing premium varieties.
This year’s Liwa Date Festival includes 23 competitions across multiple fields, supported by a prize structure of 295 awards worth more than Dh8 million. The lineup covers date and fruit beauty contests, model farm competitions, and creative categories celebrating the palm tree and its products.
Preserving heritage and passing it on
The festival serves as an annual platform for safeguarding Emirati agricultural heritage and reinforcing the status of the palm tree as an authentic symbol of national identity. It also helps transfer knowledge about palm cultivation to younger generations, while supporting farmers and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.
The Liwa Date Festival experience is further enriched by a range of accompanying activities, including the heritage market, date market, palm saplings and agricultural tools market, a traditional handicrafts corner, children’s workshops, folk performances and awareness programmes. Together, they offer visitors a blend of heritage, knowledge and entertainment, while helping to boost tourism and economic activity in Al Dhafra.