Al Dhafra Dates Festival And Auction Set To Begin On 17 October 2025 In Madinat Zayed

The fourth Al Dhafra Dates Festival and Auction, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is set to occur from 17 to 26 October 2025 in Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, this event aims to solidify its reputation as a premier international heritage festival.

Central to the festival is the daily Date Auction, a highlight for date enthusiasts. Visitors can bid on high-quality Emirati dates of various types and grades displayed on special tables. This auction draws significant attention and participation each year.

This year's festival will feature 21 competitions with 173 prizes worth over AED 5.5 million. These contests include date beauty shows, honey competitions, cooking challenges, and more. The aim is to encourage farmers to enhance quality standards and promote premium date varieties.

In addition to competitions, the festival offers diverse cultural and educational activities. Attendees can enjoy traditional folk performances, photography exhibitions, heritage crafts displays, awareness lectures, and creative workshops suitable for all ages.

The Kingdom of Morocco will be the Guest of Honor this year. This highlights cultural and agricultural exchange between Morocco and the UAE, focusing on palm cultivation and date production. Such collaborations aim to deepen ties across various sectors.

Government and private sector entities will participate with pavilions showcasing interactive programs. These platforms will provide awareness for farmers and visitors about the latest agricultural innovations and services.

Retail Opportunities

Visitors can explore retail outlets offering dates, date products, farming equipment, and more at the festival. A dedicated "Honey Village" will also be available for those interested in honey-related products.

The event supports national food security goals by promoting knowledge exchange in palm cultivation. It encourages farmers to improve their practices while showcasing premium date varieties to a global audience.

This festival not only celebrates heritage but also fosters economic growth by supporting local farmers and producers. By facilitating knowledge exchange in agriculture, it contributes significantly to the region's development.

With inputs from WAM