With over Dh8.7 million in prizes this year, the Liwa Date Festival in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra neighbourhood is still a thriving celebration of Emirati culture, sustainability, and agricultural prowess. The UAE’s finest date harvests and traditional farming methods were on display as farmers, producers, and craftspeople from all over the country came together.
The festival, which is organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, highlights the UAE’s dedication to upholding cultural customs while encouraging cutting-edge advancements in palm cultivation. In addition to competitions for the best packaging, largest dates, and most attractive farm, there were awards for excellence in date types such Khalas, Dabbas, and Fardh.
Beyond the competitions, the festival also featured educational exhibits, local crafts, folklore performances, and expert-led talks on agricultural sustainability, irrigation methods, and new technologies for enhancing crop yield in desert climates. Sustainability remained a key theme, as the event promoted eco-friendly farming techniques and water-saving solutions.
Attended by thousands, the Liwa Date Festival not only reinforces national identity and rural pride but also empowers farmers with new opportunities to market their products. It stands as a symbol of the UAE’s dedication to balancing heritage with forward-looking agricultural progress.
