Sharjah's Al Dhaid Date Festival 2024: Celebrating Palm Cultivation And Sustainability

The eighth edition of the "Al Dhaid Date Festival" began today at Expo Al Dhaid and will continue until 28th July. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this event is a key economic, cultural, and social gathering in Sharjah. It attracts palm owners, farmers, industrialists, and productive families from across the UAE involved in the date industry.

The opening ceremony saw attendance from notable figures including Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; Salem Ali Salem Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Municipal Council; Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA); and Waleed Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, Second Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber. Several board members were also present.

Following the inauguration, attendees toured the festival's display stands. They explored various types of dates and fruits while engaging with farmers to learn about different cultivation practices. Detailed explanations were provided on palm tree care and cultivation methods. The festival also features competitions and heritage-themed activities.

This year's festival includes several competitions such as "The Best Lemons," "Fig Contest," "The Most Beautiful Home-grown Dates" (for women), and a new children's competition called "Ratb Al Kharaif Beauty." These contests offer valuable prizes to 130 winners across various categories. The first day saw a significant turnout from palm owners and farmers eager to participate.

Abdallah Sultan Al Owais highlighted that the festival has become a major event in the UAE due to wise leadership's support for environmental conservation events. He noted that these events promote sustainable agricultural development, support farmers, and preserve the palm tree, which is integral to the UAE's heritage.

Commitment to Agricultural Development

Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi emphasised SCCI's commitment to enhancing agricultural sector development, particularly palm cultivation in Sharjah's eastern and central regions. The festival coincides with the date harvest season, providing a platform for farmers to exchange knowledge and showcase superior palm varieties.

Mohammad Musabah Al Tunaiji affirmed that participation in the festival increases yearly. The Organising Committee is adapting to this growth by supporting the palm cultivation sector and preserving cultural heritage associated with date palms. The festival reinforces Al Dhaid's status as a primary hub for palm cultivation in the region.

Festival Schedule and Highlights

Al Dhaid Date Festival 2024 is open daily from 07:00 to 22:00. It offers activities highlighting UAE's deep-rooted heritage in palm cultivation. Five major competitions are held based on stringent criteria ensuring quality dates free from impurities.

The festival aims to enhance heritage sustainability, raise awareness about modern agricultural practices, and strengthen UAE’s food security. It empowers farmers to invest in palm cultivation industries, encouraging them to expand production both in quantity and quality while promoting date palm preservation.

The event showcases premium quality dates and palm leaf products attracting many visitors keen on exploring these offerings. This year’s large turnout reflects growing interest in Emirati date varieties' diversity and high quality.

The Al Dhaid Date Festival continues to play a vital role in supporting farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture, and preserving cultural heritage linked to date palms.

With inputs from WAM