Al Dhaid Date Festival 2025 Attracts Over 19,000 Visitors And AED 1.3 Million In Sales

The Al Dhaid Date Festival 2025 wrapped up on Sunday at Expo Al Dhaid, drawing a large crowd over its four-day duration. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this edition attracted more than 19,000 visitors and achieved AED 1.3 million in sales. This success highlights the festival's importance in promoting the UAE's agricultural and cultural heritage sectors.

The event saw active participation from 72 exhibitors, including date farmers and palm owners from across the UAE. Several agricultural companies and government entities involved in agricultural development also took part. A significant feature was the "Productive Families Market," which displayed a variety of handmade crafts and palm-derived products, enhancing local entrepreneurship by promoting traditional craftsmanship.

The premium date auction was a major highlight, with prominent farmers showcasing around four tonnes of high-quality local produce across 32 varieties. This auction generated AED 110,000 in sales. The final day of the festival witnessed increased interaction between exhibitors and visitors through on-stand auctions, boosting commercial activity and engagement.

Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, stated that the festival reflects the Chamber’s dedication to enhancing sustainability and competitiveness in agriculture. He noted that its growth is driven by initiatives aimed at empowering farmers, fostering innovation, and improving market access through quality-focused production frameworks.

Al Awadi further mentioned that the festival's success is evident from increased visitor numbers, exhibitor participation, and sales volume. "The remarkable success achieved by the 2025 edition underscores the strong trust the agricultural community places in the festival," he said. It remains a strategic platform for expanding market access for Emirati dates while supporting SMEs and family businesses in palm-based industries.

The Date Market was another key attraction, drawing significant visitor interest with its wide range of premium dates. Exhibitors offered diverse product lines at competitive prices, effectively stimulating consumer interest and boosting on-site sales.

Empowering Farmers and Promoting Innovation

Mohammed Musabeh Al Tunaiji, General Coordinator of Al Dhaid Date Festival, highlighted that this edition solidified its status as one of the UAE’s top agricultural events. He noted growth in participation and visitor turnout due to an expanded range of programmes and activities. The "Productive Families Market" notably enhanced economic value by broadening participation and supporting local value chains.

Farmers expressed gratitude for how the festival enhances their produce's competitiveness while showcasing top local date varieties. They emphasised that it serves as a strategic platform for networking and knowledge exchange, offering exposure to advanced agricultural technologies and innovative cultivation techniques.

The festival's conclusion marked a successful year with heightened interactions between exhibitors and visitors through live product auctions initiated by participants themselves. This initiative drew enthusiastic participation from attendees, further enhancing commercial activity during the event.

With inputs from WAM