Hatta Farming Festival Marks A Milestone In Celebrating Agricultural Heritage
The inaugural Hatta Farming Festival drew over 10,000 attendees, celebrating the agricultural heritage and industry of Hatta with support from the Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and the Hatta Traders Council. Spanning from February 23-27, the event featured a range of activities, including environmental workshops, seminars, contests, and tours that highlighted the region's rich history and farming practices.
Throughout the five-day festival, over 50 agricultural workshops and seminars were offered, alongside two dialogue sessions with experienced farmers. These sessions provided insights into sustainable living, food growth, and the use of natural materials for art, aiming to educate visitors on environmental conservation and agricultural innovations. The event also facilitated an exchange of knowledge between local farms and industry workers, covering diverse agricultural topics.
Awards and Recognition for Local Farms
In a contest sponsored by Union Coop, local farms and barns received recognition for their contributions to the industry. Hamad Khalfan Al Mutawwaa Farm was awarded the title of 'Best Productive Farm’, Ahmad Sultan Al Kaabi won 'Best Productive Ezba’, and the 'Best Halal’ award went to the Al-Haw breed. The festival's halal auction saw bids reaching up to AED 82,000 per head. This initiative not only spotlighted local achievements but also reinforced Union Coop’s commitment to supporting Hatta's agricultural sector.
Partnership to Promote Hatta’s Agricultural Products
A significant highlight was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Union Coop and the Hatta Traders Council. This agreement outlines collaborative efforts to promote entrepreneurship, sustainable business practices, and the distribution of local farm products across Union Coop's 28 UAE branches. Signed by Mana Ahmed Al Kaabi, Chairman of the Hatta Traders Council, and His Excellency Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, the memorandum is a crucial step toward enhancing Hatta’s agricultural visibility and market presence.
Exploring Hatta's Heritage and Sustainable Practices
Attendees had the opportunity to explore Hatta's history through tours organized by Dubai Culture to Al Sharia, one of the UAE's oldest traditional villages. Here, they learned about the ancient falaj irrigation system, a testament to the region's sustainable agricultural practices that remain in use today. In addition to educational tours, the festival offered a farmers market with produce from 25 local farms, food options from trucks and kiosks, and entertainment by roaming performers and beloved Dubai characters, Modesh and Dana.
The Hatta Farming Festival stands as a milestone event, bringing together community, culture, and agriculture. It showcases the region's commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing sustainable and innovative farming practices. This event not only highlights the importance of supporting local farmers but also strengthens Hatta's position as a key player in the UAE's agricultural sector.
Sign in with Google