Liwa Date Festival And Auction Launches Tomorrow In Al Dhafra With Cultural Activities

The Liwa Date Festival and Auction, now in its third edition, is set to begin in Zayed City, Al Dhafra. Running until 20th October, the event is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region. This year, the Republic of Iraq will be the guest of honour, aiming to foster agricultural collaboration and strengthen ties between the two nations.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival aspires to become a leading international heritage event. It promotes date production and processing while showcasing top varieties. The festival contributes to food security strategies and encourages farmers to enhance product quality. It also serves as a hub for exchanging knowledge on palm cultivation.

A key attraction at the festival is the daily date auction, which draws many date lovers. Visitors can bid on high-quality Emirati dates from various types. The auction provides an opportunity for enthusiasts to purchase premium dates directly from producers.

Celebrating the 2024 date harvesting season, the festival will host 20 competitions with 167 prizes up for grabs. These include nine contests focused on dates, two cooking challenges, five honey competitions, and two each for photography and painting. These events aim to engage participants and showcase diverse talents.

The festival will feature a traditional market with shops selling dates and agricultural tools. A honey village, crafts corner, two art exhibitions, Kenaz Art Studio, arts workshop, and other unique areas will offer visitors a rich experience. Performances by the Abu Dhabi Folklore Group will add cultural flair to the event.

Support for Agricultural Sector

Both government and private entities are participating in this year's festival. They will host interactive programmes and awareness platforms aimed at farmers and visitors through daily events. These activities support the UAE's agricultural sector and date industry by providing valuable insights and resources.

The festival not only celebrates heritage but also aims to boost economic ties between participating countries. By focusing on agriculture and cultural exchange, it seeks to create lasting impacts in vital sectors while offering an engaging experience for all attendees.

As this year's edition unfolds, it promises to be a vibrant celebration of tradition and innovation in agriculture. With diverse activities planned throughout its duration, attendees can look forward to an enriching experience that highlights both cultural heritage and modern advancements in farming practices.

With inputs from WAM