Al Dhaid Date Festival Showcases Major Date Producers And Agricultural Innovations In The UAE

The Al Dhaid Date Festival, now in its ninth year, has commenced at Expo Al Dhaid. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this event runs from July 23 to 27. It draws major date producers, palm farmers, and 15 agricultural companies from across the UAE. Key stakeholders from both governmental and private sectors are also participating.

Following the official opening, attendees explored various displays featuring dates and fruits. They engaged with farmers and exhibitors who shared insights on product quality and palm care techniques. The festival's opening day included competitions, contests, and heritage-themed activities that highlighted local agricultural heritage. These events enriched the cultural dimension of the festival.

The evening programme featured heritage contests and entertainment, complemented by a seminar on palm tree varieties. Experts discussed cultivation methods and Sharjah’s unique agricultural practices, blending traditional knowledge with modern innovation. This approach emphasises both cultural preservation and farming advancement.

Prominent figures attended the opening ceremony, including Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; Mohammed Al Nuaimi from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE); Dr Mohammed Al Hammadi from MOCCAE; Salem Ali Al Muhairi of the Sharjah City Municipal Council; and SCCI board members. Other notable attendees were Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Sultan Al Shamsi, Mohammad Musabah Al Tunaiji, municipal council heads from Central and Eastern Sharjah, senior officials, and representatives of participating government entities.

Abdallah Sultan Al Owais remarked: "Over nine successive editions the festival has firmly positioned itself as both a cultural landmark and a dynamic economic platform supporting hundreds of farmers in Sharjah and the UAE." He emphasised that this success reflects Sharjah Chamber’s dedication to enhancing agriculture by fostering competition among farmers to improve produce quality.

Competitions and Awards

This year's festival features numerous competitions with significant prizes for categories such as Khneizi, Khalas, Shishi, "General Al Dhaid Elite Dates," and "Special Al Dhaid Elite Dates" for Northern Emirates farmers. Additional contests include a women-focused homegrown date competition, the "Ratb Al Kharaif Beauty" contest for children, plus competitions for local lemon and red fig varieties.

Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi stated that the festival is a national initiative supporting food security efforts in the UAE while strengthening sustainable agricultural systems. He added: "The festival... underscores a growing awareness of the importance of investing in local agriculture..." He highlighted its alignment with the Ministry’s vision to enhance agricultural resilience.

Strategic Importance

Mohammed Musabah Al Tunaiji noted that the festival serves as a strategic interface between farmers and investors. It fosters partnerships while showcasing emerging talents in palm cultivation. The event also promotes youth engagement in agriculture through various initiatives.

The festival offers home-based producers commercial exposure under the UAE’s Year of Community theme. It contributes to socio-economic engagement by providing a platform for economic exchange within a culturally immersive environment. This blend reinforces its role as a leading platform for promoting agricultural excellence.

The event includes workshops and educational seminars on best practices in palm care and modern farming technologies. These activities aim to promote excellence under SCCI’s "Busharat Al-Qeith" initiative encouraging early harvests. The festival remains an essential venue for celebrating local produce while fostering community involvement within an enriching cultural setting.

With inputs from WAM