Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the fourth edition of the Al Dhafra Dates Festival and Auction officially begins today, Friday, in Zayed City, Al Dhafra, according to Xpats.ae.
The festival, which continues until 26th October, is organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in strategic collaboration with the Serh Group, and supported by multiple government and private sector partners.
This year’s event includes 21 competitions, presenting a total of 173 awards valued at over AED 5.559 million. Among the highlights are date mazayna (date beauty) contests, along with competitions for honey, cooking, date packaging, painting, and photography, celebrating traditional skills and creativity.
The Kingdom of Morocco is the Guest of Honour at this edition, emphasising the strong and enduring ties between the UAE and Morocco, particularly in agriculture. Visitors can experience the Moroccan Date Village, which will not only showcase premium Moroccan dates but also offer them for direct sale to the public.
A daily date auction will also be held, featuring a wide selection of Emirati dates available for bidding by local and international buyers eager to obtain the finest local produce.
Additionally, the event will feature a dedicated Honey Village to support local producers, beekeepers, and honey manufacturers, aiming to boost domestic honey production. Visitors will be able to learn about different Emirati honey varieties and their characteristics.
The festival’s programme offers a mix of cultural, entertainment, and educational activities, with traditional arts performances, photo and art exhibitions, and displays of heritage crafts. Attendees can also participate in lectures and workshops tailored for all age groups and explore retail outlets selling dates, date-based products, and agricultural tools.
Participating government and private organisations will engage visitors with interactive and awareness sessions designed to enhance agricultural knowledge and showcase innovations that support farmers across the region.
