DUBAI: The second edition of the Al Wathba Dates Festival is set to take place from January 10 to February 28, 2025, as part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi. With a total prize pool exceeding Dh2 million, the festival promises to be a major event, offering 120 prizes in 12 competitions focused on date packaging. This festival is an excellent opportunity for local farmers and agricultural enthusiasts to showcase their best date packaging skills and compete for a share of the substantial prize money.
The competition will feature six different varieties of dates: Khalas, Fard, Dabbas Boumaan, Shishi, and Zamli. Each of these varieties holds significance in the UAE’s agricultural heritage, and the festival aims to promote and preserve these traditional crops. The packaging of dates, an integral part of the date industry, will be highlighted as a key aspect of the festival. By focusing on this aspect of production, the festival hopes to raise awareness about the importance of quality packaging and its role in marketing dates both locally and internationally.
The event is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. His support emphasizes the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the UAE’s rich agricultural traditions, while also providing an opportunity for local businesses and communities to engage in healthy competition. Sheikh Mansour’s involvement in such events reflects his dedication to strengthening the country’s cultural and economic ties, especially in sectors like agriculture, which are vital to the UAE’s heritage.
The Al Wathba Dates Festival is more than just a competition; it is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the UAE’s agricultural achievements. It offers a platform for farmers to display their expertise and for visitors to learn about the diverse types of dates grown in the region. Through the festival, participants and spectators alike will gain a deeper appreciation for the cultivation and packaging processes that make dates one of the UAE’s most important agricultural exports. The event is expected to attract large crowds and contribute to the continuing growth of the agricultural sector in the UAE.
