Al Wathba Food Festival Concludes In Abu Dhabi, Celebrating Local Agriculture And Emirati Cuisine

The Al Wathba Food Festival recently wrapped up, solidifying its role as a crucial national event for bolstering food security and promoting local agriculture. This festival, part of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award's fourth edition, highlighted the quality of UAE-grown produce and celebrated Emirati cuisine. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, it aimed to integrate local products into the national food system.

Participants included farmers, livestock breeders, and home-based businesses showcasing food innovations and diverse Emirati dishes. The festival has become an annual attraction that underscores Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub for food and agriculture driven by knowledge and innovation. It spotlighted successful local production models and the rapid growth of the agricultural sector.

This year, there was notable involvement from Emirati women and youth, who played a key role in preserving culinary traditions while introducing authentic dishes to younger generations. People of Determination and home-based businesses also made significant contributions, presenting creative products that reinforced their roles in sustainable development and economic inclusion.

The event recorded over 600 participations, including more than 95 shop applications and over 430 competition entries. A total of 140 contestants participated, with 80 winners announced across various categories. Fourteen competitions were held with total prizes amounting to AED362,000, alongside family activities featuring vegetables, dates, value-added products, and traditional foods.

Kinnah Saeed Al Maskari, Member of the Higher Committee of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award and Chairperson of the festival, stated that the event reflects the UAE’s dedication to enhancing food security and supporting domestic production. She noted that national talents demonstrated their capabilities in creating added value for agriculture and food sectors.

Al Maskari encouraged farmers, livestock breeders, and food sector professionals to engage in the main Award and explore upcoming festivals via the Award’s website. Such participation strengthens local products and supports national sustainability goals. The Al Wathba Livestock Festival continues until 14th February as part of this broader programme.

The organising committee emphasised that this festival has become a destination that reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a centre for food innovation. It highlighted successful models from farmers and home-based producers while showcasing rapid advancements in agriculture. The event underscored its importance in integrating local products into national systems.

With inputs from WAM