Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Al Dhafra Date Festival and Auction continues to strengthen its position as an integrated heritage and knowledge platform. It supports local production and celebrates the UAE’s agricultural heritage through unique initiatives aimed at developing the palm and date sector.
Today marks the conclusion of the fourth edition of the festival, organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in partnership with the Sarh Group. This event is supported by several government and private entities. It comes within the framework of the UAE’s great interest in the palm tree and its products, as a symbol of goodness and generosity and an integral part of national heritage and identity. It also highlights its vital role in supporting food security and sustainable agricultural development.
The festival included 21 competitions for dates, honey, cooking, packaging, and arts. Total prizes reached more than AED 5.5 million, honoring outstanding farmers, producers, and amateurs. The festival also featured an Emirati date auction, showcasing the finest varieties and selling them to the public. This contributed to enhancing the marketing value of local dates and supporting national production.
The Kingdom of Morocco was the guest of honor at the event. The Moroccan village showcased the finest dates, reflecting the cultural and economic cooperation between the UAE and Morocco. The festival also included a honey village to support beekeepers and introduce visitors to the varieties of Emirati honey and its unique characteristics.
Activities included heritage and artistic performances, exhibitions, workshops, and awareness lectures. The event also featured a heritage market featuring shops selling dates, date products, and agricultural tools. Both government and private entities participated, offering awareness and interactive programs for farmers and visitors.
Through its successive editions, the Al Dhafra Date Festival and Auction affirms its commitment to preserving the UAE’s agricultural heritage. It also supports farmers and producers and enhances the competitiveness of Emirati dates locally and globally. This contributes to consolidating the country’s position as a global center for the date industry and a major source of quality agricultural production and innovation.
