Hazza Bin Zayed Visits Inaugural Al Ain Dates Festival To Promote Agricultural Heritage

H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, recently visited the first Al Ain Dates Festival. This event, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is being held at Al Hili Oasis from 3rd to 8th January 2025.

During his visit, Sheikh Hazza explored the Photo Archive Exhibition. This exhibition showcases the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's visionary efforts in cultivating palm trees and enhancing the UAE's agricultural sector. The exhibition highlights significant historical contributions to agriculture.

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Sheikh Hazza began his tour with visits to Al Hili Tower and Bin Raeh Tower. He received briefings on their historical significance and their role in protecting local farms and sustaining the aflaj irrigation system. His Highness praised ongoing efforts to preserve these important landmarks.

The festival also features traditional palm-based handcrafts such as ‘surood’ mats for dining and ‘saffa’ baskets for storing dates. Other items include the ‘habool’ belt for climbing palm trees, the ‘mahafah’ hand fan, and traditional dishes made with dates. These crafts reflect Emirati cultural heritage.

Sheikh Hazza highlighted the festival's importance in promoting agricultural knowledge and celebrating the palm tree's historical significance. He emphasised its role in empowering farmers, advancing agricultural development, and strengthening food security in the UAE while fostering excellence in date production.

His Highness also toured Al Hili Oasis, learning about its contribution to traditional agriculture and the aflaj irrigation system. The oasis is a cornerstone of the UAE’s rich heritage, playing a vital role in sustaining local agriculture through history.

Symbolic Significance of Palm Trees

The Sararid Heritage Passage was another stop on Sheikh Hazza’s tour. Here, he learned about its design that blends authentic Emirati heritage with artisanal craftsmanship. This passage reflects the UAE’s deep-rooted cultural identity through its architectural style.

Concluding his visit, Sheikh Hazza attended part of the traditional dates mazayna and auction competitions. He was briefed on how these competitions are conducted, showcasing various aspects of date production and trade within the region.

Sheikh Hazza expressed gratitude for President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's support of heritage initiatives that preserve cultural identity while advancing agricultural sustainability. His Highness commended efforts by organisers and participants at this festival.

Accompanying Sheikh Hazza were Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of Community Development; Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak from Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi from Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority; and Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei from Festivals and Events at Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority.

The inaugural Al Ain Dates Festival stands as a platform for promoting agricultural knowledge while celebrating Emirati heritage through events like these that empower farmers across UAE regions today.

With inputs from WAM