Inaugural Hatta Farming Festival Set To Enrich Local Agriculture And Community Spirit

The Supreme Committee to Oversee the Development of Hatta has recently unveiled plans for the inaugural Hatta Farming Festival, a landmark event set to take place from 23rd to 27th February, 2024, at Hatta Hall. This festival is a collaborative effort involving the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Dubai Municipality, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and the Hatta Traders Council. The festival's primary aim is to bolster Hatta’s economic and tourism sectors, support local traders and small business owners by providing a platform to showcase their agricultural products, and celebrate the region's rich heritage and agricultural prowess.

The event, which is open to the public without any entry fee, will operate daily from 10:00 to 22:00. It promises to be a vibrant gathering that not only celebrates agricultural and environmental practices but also brings together the local farming community. The festival schedule includes over 25 workshops focusing on sustainability topics such as food security and water purification. Additionally, visitors can enjoy tours of nearby heritage sites and sample local culinary offerings from six food trucks and pop-up cafés.

Entertainment is a key component of the festival, with activities suitable for all ages. Highlights include roaming performances by Dubai’s beloved characters, Modesh and Dana, and more than 20 local farmers and livestock farms showcasing their products. The Hatta Heritage Village will also be open for exploration, featuring the historic Hatta Falaj Al Sharia, an ancient underground tunnel system restored in 2019.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), expressed enthusiasm about the festival's role in supporting the local agricultural industry in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. He emphasized the festival as a crucial step towards empowering the local agricultural sector and fostering a deeper connection between the community and nature.

The festival will also host specialized workshops and talks for local farmers, conducted by leading farming companies in the UAE. These sessions aim to provide valuable insights and resources to help farms thrive. Additionally, competitive events with prizes ranging from AED5,000 to AED20,000 will encourage healthy competition among farmers.

A unique feature of the festival is an animal auction where attendees can purchase superior breeds of Hatta goat. Moreover, the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development will conduct a workshop to introduce its services aimed at supporting entrepreneurs.

Union Coop has come on board as a sponsor for the event and will partner with the Hatta Traders Council to promote Hatta farms and brands across its 28 branches in the UAE. This partnership agreement is set to be signed on 26th February, marking a significant step towards promoting agricultural enterprise in the region.

With inputs from WAM