Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, recently visited the inaugural edition of the “Al Ain Dates Festival.” The event, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi in the Al Ain Region, runs until 31 July at the Sarooj Park in Al Ain.
During his tour, Sheikh Nahyan explored various agricultural competitions and heritage activities, as well as platforms dedicated to farmers and producers. He received insights into the festival’s objectives and its role in highlighting the quality of dates and fruits produced in Al Ain’s farms and oases, fostering collaboration among farmers, sharing expertise, and developing production methods.
Quality and Diversity
In a statement made at the event, Sheikh Nahyan remarked that the Al Ain Dates Festival is an important agricultural and cultural occasion that celebrates the date palm and its caretakers. “It showcases the quality and diversity of production achieved by Al Ain’s farms,” he noted.
He highlighted that the festival serves as a supportive platform for farmers, enabling them to display their harvests, exchange experiences, and learn from successful practices. The organisation of the festival in Al Ain reflects the region’s rich agricultural history and its diverse production.
Sheikh Nahyan further emphasised the ongoing attention given to the date palm, considering it a vital element of the UAE’s heritage and a resource intertwined with the lives and stability of its people across generations. “The date palm is not just a productive tree but a part of the UAE’s history, identity, and the memory of its people,” he added. It symbolizes generosity, resilience, and connection to the land.
A Agricultural Renaissance
Sheikh Nahyan acknowledged that today’s agricultural renaissance is the result of the visionary groundwork laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose commitment to nurturing both people and land led to significant agricultural advancements. He stressed that Sheikh Zayed’s emphasis on agriculture has inspired Emiratis to connect with their land and develop it into a source of prosperity.
He remarked that the late Sheikh Zayed made farming a cornerstone of development, imprinting the values of productivity and resource conservation within society. The fruits of this vision are clearly visible in the oases and farms of Al Ain today, where experienced farmers adeptly blend traditional knowledge with modern techniques to enhance crop quality and ensure sustainable production.
Furthermore, Sheikh Nahyan asserted that under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the nation continues its commitment to empowering individuals, preserving agricultural resources, and supporting farmers and productive sectors. This dedication not only contributes to comprehensive development but also fortifies food security and conserves natural resources for future generations.
A Exchange of Agricultural Knowledge
Accompanying Sheikh Nahyan during the visit were Ali Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, and Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Festivals and Events Sector at the authority.
The Al Ain Dates Festival brings together different generations around the date palm and associated agricultural expertise and heritage practices. It represents a meeting point for seasoned farmers to connect with younger farmers and children, offering competitions and activities that facilitate the natural exchange of knowledge through observation, participation, and collaborative work.