With Dh8 million in prizes, innovation showcases, and family activities, the festival highlights the UAE’s agricultural heritage and supports local farmers.
The 22nd Liwa Dates Festival has once again highlighted the vital role Emirati farmers play in preserving the country’s agricultural heritage while strengthening food security and sustainable farming.
Held in Liwa City in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region, this year’s festival combined agricultural competitions, heritage displays, family entertainment, educational programmes, and innovation showcases. With 23 competitions, 295 prizes worth more than Dh8 million, and thousands of visitors over 10 days, the festival has grown into one of the UAE’s most important agricultural and cultural events.
Celebrating the UAE’s Farming Community
More than an annual harvest celebration, the Liwa Dates Festival has evolved into a national platform that supports local farmers, promotes agricultural innovation, and preserves the deep cultural significance of the palm tree.
The event brought together Emirati date growers, fruit producers, agricultural experts, government entities, and private-sector organisations to showcase the progress made in sustainable farming while encouraging the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.
Sheikh Mansour Highlights the Role of Farmers
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, praised Emirati farmers for their contribution to food security and the country’s agricultural future.
He said the festival reflects the UAE’s appreciation for locally grown produce and honours the palm tree’s enduring place in Emirati identity.
Sheikh Mansour also noted that the continued growth of the festival demonstrates the country’s commitment to preserving its agricultural heritage while supporting sustainable farming practices.
Dh8 Million Prize Programme
One of the festival’s biggest attractions remained its extensive competition programme, which rewarded excellence across multiple agricultural categories.
The event featured:
- 11 date competitions (Mazayna).
- Seven fruit competitions.
- Three model farm competitions.
- Best Date Harvest Basket competition.
- Creativity from the Palm Trunk competition.
A total of 295 prizes worth more than Dh8 million were awarded, making it one of the UAE’s largest agricultural prize programmes.
Judging focused on crop quality, fruit size, ripeness, colour, uniformity, and adherence to good agricultural practices, encouraging farmers to improve both productivity and sustainability.
Recognising Outstanding Farmers
Among the highlights was the Zamli Date Competition, sponsored by Al Foah, with 15 prizes worth Dh397,000.
The top winners were:
- First: Hamad Qumad Rashid Mohammed Al Mansoori.
- Second: Salham Harmous Saeed Al Mazrouei.
- Third: Humaid Mohammed Mubarak Jarwan Al Shamsi.
The festival also celebrated World Mango Day with competitions recognising the best local and mixed-variety mangoes, reflecting the UAE’s growing agricultural diversity beyond date cultivation.
Supporting Local Agriculture
Beyond the competitions, the agricultural market enabled farmers to sell fresh dates, seasonal fruits and vegetables, honey, and homemade food products directly to visitors.
The marketplace created valuable commercial opportunities while strengthening connections between local producers and consumers.
Model Farm competitions also encouraged participants to adopt better water management, improve farm productivity, and implement sustainable agricultural techniques.
Keeping Traditional Crafts Alive
The Heritage Market showcased traditional Emirati craftsmanship closely linked to the palm tree and rural life.
Visitors watched artisans demonstrate skills including palm-frond weaving, Al Sadu weaving, Talli embroidery, Gargoor fish trap making, and handcrafted products created from different parts of the palm tree.
These live demonstrations helped preserve traditional knowledge while introducing younger generations to Emirati cultural heritage.
Family Activities and Educational Programmes
The festival offered a wide range of activities designed for visitors of all ages.
Children participated in interactive workshops and heritage games, while adults attended agricultural lectures, environmental awareness sessions, and sustainability workshops.
Government organisations also hosted exhibitions promoting food safety, environmental protection, public health, and responsible farming practices.
To simplify participation, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority introduced online competition registration through the Falk Al Namous application, making access easier for farmers across the country.
Boosting Tourism and the Local Economy
The Liwa Dates Festival continues to generate significant economic activity for the Al Dhafra Region by attracting visitors from across the UAE and supporting local businesses, productive families, and agricultural producers.
The event has become an important destination for heritage tourism while providing a platform for farmers, researchers, and industry experts to exchange knowledge and showcase modern agricultural technologies.
More Than a Harvest Festival
Over more than two decades, the Liwa Dates Festival has grown far beyond a celebration of the annual date harvest.
Today, it serves as a national platform promoting food security, agricultural development, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation. By recognising the achievements of Emirati farmers while encouraging innovation and responsible farming, the festival continues to reinforce the palm tree’s enduring role as a symbol of the UAE’s heritage and its sustainable future.
Source: Gulf News
