Al Dhaid Date Festival 2025 Launches Tomorrow With Exciting Competitions And Cultural Activities

The Al Dhaid Date Festival's ninth edition is set to commence at Expo Al Dhaid, starting tomorrow, Wednesday. The official opening is planned for Thursday, with the event running until July 27. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this festival attracts prominent palm farmers and date producers from across the UAE, alongside various governmental and private agricultural organisations.

This year's festival agenda includes a variety of competitions aimed at encouraging excellence among farmers. Starting tomorrow, contests will feature homegrown dates, best lemons, figs, and the "Ratb Al Kharaif Beauty" competition. On Thursday, the "Khneizi Dates Beauty Contest" will take place, followed by the "Al-Khalas Dates Beauty Contest" on July 25. The "Shishi Dates" competition is scheduled for Saturday, July 26. The winners of both the "General Dhaid Elite Dates" and "Northern Emirates Dhaid Elite Dates" competitions will be announced on Sunday, July 27.

The festival has established specific entry requirements for its competitions. Participants must use locally produced dates from their own farms for the 2025 season. The dates should be ripe and free from insect infestations or defects. Entry weights are set at four kilogrammes per traditional basket for most categories, with unique criteria for elite categories and lemon and fig contests.

Women from the Northern Emirates can participate in the homegrown dates contest. Meanwhile, children from Sharjah’s Central Region are encouraged to join the "Ratb Al Kharaif Beauty" Contest to enhance community involvement and inclusivity.

Supporting Local Enterprises

The festival also supports local family businesses showcasing heritage-themed products inspired by palm trees. This initiative aligns with the Year of Community in the UAE, promoting social participation while fostering economic growth. The event serves as a crucial platform for these enterprises to expand commercially and strengthen their role in society.

Educational Seminars and Workshops

From Thursday to Sunday evenings, educational seminars will be held daily during the festival. These sessions will feature industry experts and palm farmers sharing insights through advisory workshops. The focus will be on disseminating best practices in palm tree care and adopting modern technologies to boost productivity and quality.

High-profile visitors and official delegations are expected to attend, evaluating advancements in domestic agriculture. This highlights the festival's significance as a key agricultural event integral to Sharjah’s cultural identity.

The Al Dhaid Date Festival not only promotes palm cultivation but also preserves the UAE’s rich heritage. It acts as a strategic platform encouraging farmers to adopt superior agricultural practices that enhance local produce quality. This contributes significantly to food security and sustainable agricultural growth within the UAE.

With inputs from WAM