Hatta Farming Festival 2026

The Hatta Farming Festival returns in 2026 with a vibrant celebration of local agriculture. This festival offers a unique chance to connect directly with Emirati farmers. Visitors can explore a special market filled with rare and authentic products. The event highlights the rich farming heritage of the Hatta region. Best of all, entry to the festival is completely free for everyone. You can taste amazing samples of local Emirati honey and traditional pickles. This guide will show you seven of the rarest items you can take home from this must-visit Dubai event.

1. Exclusive Sidr Honey from the Hatta Mountains

The first rare find is the famous Sidr honey. This honey comes from bees that pollinate specific Sidr trees in the mountainous areas. Emirati farmers harvest this honey in small, precious batches. Its taste is rich, thick, and completely unique. It is different from any honey you buy in a regular supermarket. Many people believe it has special health benefits. At the festival, farmers will explain the traditional methods they use to collect it. You can even sample it before you buy a jar to take home.

2. Traditional Emirati Date Varieties (Ungraded)

You will discover special types of dates that are hard to find elsewhere. These dates are often “ungraded,” meaning they are sold directly as they come from the farm. They do not go through a large commercial packaging factory. This includes rare varieties like the Khalas, Khenaizi, and Fard dates. Each type has a different texture and level of sweetness. Farmers will sell them fresh or in beautifully simple packaging. Buying these supports the farmers directly and helps preserve old date palm types.

3. Handmade Mountain Herbal Teas and Infusions

Local growers in Hatta cultivate special herbs perfect for making tea. You can buy mixtures made from dried lemongrass, za’atar, and other mountain herbs. These teas are known for their soothing and aromatic qualities. The farmers often mix them by hand using family recipes. These herbal infusions are a natural product from the UAE’s environment. They make a wonderful gift that represents the taste of the local landscape.

4. Small-Batch Hatta Mountain Pickles

Sample and buy the famous Emirati pickles mentioned in the festival advertising. These are not the usual pickles from a store. Local families make them in small batches using vegetables from their farms. Recipes often include carrot, cucumber, lime, and chili. The pickling method uses local spices, giving them a distinctive flavor. They are a perfect tangy addition to meals. Trying these pickles gives you a real taste of traditional Emirati home cooking.

5. Fresh Heirloom Vegetables from Family Farms

Look for fresh vegetables that are grown from heirloom seeds. These seeds have been passed down through generations of farmers. The vegetables might look unusual compared to standard supermarket ones. You might find unique shapes of tomatoes, special types of eggplant, or local leafy greens. They are picked at peak freshness and brought straight to the market. Their flavor is often much more intense because they are grown for taste, not for long travel and shelf life.

6. Local Goat Milk and Dairy Products

Some farmers will bring dairy products from their local goat herds. This can include fresh goat milk, laban (buttermilk), or even soft cheese. The goats feed on the natural mountain plants of Hatta. This diet gives their milk a particular and delicious flavor. These products are highly perishable and rare to find sold publicly. They represent a traditional part of the mountain farming lifestyle that is still alive today.

7. Artisanal Jams and Chutneys from Local Fruits

The final rare find is a range of homemade preserves. Farmers use seasonal fruits like figs, pomegranates, and citrus to make jams and chutneys. They cook them slowly with minimal sugar to highlight the natural fruit taste. You will not find these unique flavor combinations in regular stores. Each jar is made with care and represents the fruit harvest of a particular season in Hatta.

Plan Your Visit: Festival Details and Tips

The Hatta Farming Festival 2026 will run for several days. The exact dates will be announced closer to the time. The location is in the beautiful Hatta area, near the dam. Remember, entry is free for all visitors. It is best to arrive early because popular items sell out quickly. Bring cash, as some small farmers may not accept cards. Also, bring a cooler bag to safely carry your fresh products home. Enjoy the samples, talk to the farmers, and support local UAE agriculture.