Mansour Bin Zayed Highlights Importance Of Supporting Farmers At Liwa Date Festival For Food Security
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, visited the 21st Liwa Date Festival in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, this festival is a significant event celebrating the UAE's agricultural and cultural heritage. It highlights the importance of palm trees in food security and agricultural sustainability.
The festival showcases various government and private pavilions displaying innovations in agriculture. His Highness explored these exhibits and learned about competitions and activities that emphasise the economic and social value of palm trees. The event underscores the tree’s role in enhancing food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Sheikh Mansour praised the festival for boosting economic activity in Al Dhafra Region. It attracts thousands of visitors annually, providing a platform for farmers, experts, and industry pioneers to connect. This gathering strengthens the agricultural sector's contribution to the national economy.
The festival features numerous competitions with prizes exceeding AED 8.7 million. These contests aim to preserve the palm tree's legacy as a cultural symbol while fostering community bonds and promoting values of cooperation and heritage preservation.
Sheikh Mansour highlighted that agriculture and food production are growing significantly in the UAE under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's directives. This growth empowers farmers, producers, and manufacturers to ensure sustainable food production, reinforcing national food security.
The festival also supports local communities through a traditional market offering fresh dates, date products, palm-related items, factories, and nurseries. Pavilions from sponsors and supporters further enhance its role in community development.
Cultural Significance of Palm Trees
The event reflects Emirati citizens' deep connection with their land by celebrating palm trees as cultural symbols. Supporting local agriculture contributes to balanced economic distribution and aligns with national goals for food self-sufficiency.
Accompanying Sheikh Mansour on his tour were Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, along with several officials from the authority. Their presence underscores the importance of this event in promoting cultural heritage.
The Liwa Date Festival plays a crucial role in supporting productive families through its traditional market setup. It ensures intergenerational continuity by strengthening family bonds while promoting cultural values aligned with UAE’s "Year of the Community."
With inputs from WAM
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