Wheat Festival Returns To Meliha With New Identity And Expanded Activities

The second Wheat Festival is under way at Meliha Wheat Farm, bringing the public closer to Sharjah’s growing agricultural sector. Running until 8th February, the event is organised by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and takes place under the presence of Dr. Khalifa Musabeh Al Teneiji.

Acting as a broad platform for producers and visitors, the Wheat Festival aims to support Sharjah’s goals for sustainable and inclusive development. It strengthens marketing channels for farmers and home-based businesses while widening investment options for UAE nationals running small and medium enterprises in agriculture and food-related fields.

A core focus of the festival is wheat cultivation, presented as an essential component of national food security in the UAE. The event explains how wheat farming supports local supply chains, places farmers at the centre of the food production system, and introduces updated organic farming methods that target higher quality and better efficiency in local crops.

During the opening tour, Dr. Khalifa Musabeh Al Teneiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and CEO of the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Foundation "Ektifa," reviewed the farm’s pavilions and features. The festival allows guests to buy freshly harvested organic vegetables directly from the site, reflecting Ektifa’s focus on sustainable production.

The Wheat Festival programme includes live farming demonstrations, educational workshops, family-oriented entertainment, and several competitions. Visitors also receive discounts of up to 40 percent on a selection of Ektifa organic products during the event, which runs daily from 16:00 to 22:00, making it accessible for residents and tourists across the UAE.

Dr. Khalifa Al Teneiji stated that this year’s edition introduces more experiences for different community groups and also highlights Meliha’s natural environment, winter climate, and landmarks that attract tourism. The organising committee launched a photography competition for the best images taken at the festival, encouraging university students and new photographers to display their work in a public setting.

With inputs from WAM