The UAE is gearing up for a summer celebration of its beloved “king of fruits,” the mango! A vibrant array of festivals and culinary delights are on offer, welcoming a bounty of mangoes from across the globe. Already, shelves are stocked with varieties from India, Pakistan, and Yemen, with prices ranging from budget-friendly options at Dh4 per kilogram to the premium Miyazakai mangoes priced at Dh620 for a pair, two Miyazakai mangoes of 800 grams at a cost of Dh620. Even more exciting selections are expected to arrive in the coming months, extending the mango mania.
First up on the festival calendar is the Pakistan Association Dubai’s “Connecting Hearts – Mangolicious Way” on July 5th and 6th. This two-day event, held at their Oud Metha premises in collaboration with the Consulate General of Pakistan, promises a sensory overload for mango enthusiasts. The first day is reserved for invited guests, while the second day opens its doors to the public. Visitors can expect to be treated to a dazzling variety of Pakistani mangoes for sampling, live cooking demonstrations featuring mouthwatering mango dishes, workshops on incorporating mangoes into their own recipes, and a delectable spread of mango desserts. Fun giveaways, shopping opportunities, magic shows, games, and competitions for all ages round out this exciting celebration.
The 3rd Annual Mango Festival explodes onto the scene at Expo Khorfakkan from June 28th to 30th, celebrating the bounty of UAE-grown mangoes with exciting competitions and prizes! Three categories pit participants against each other: the “Mango Mazayna” (Beauty Contest) seeking the most aesthetically pleasing mango specimen, the “Most Beautiful Mango Basket” (exclusively for women) showcasing creativity in mango presentation with a handcrafted basket (no larger than 4kg) filled with locally-sourced mangoes, and the “Best Artwork for Children” competition where budding artists between 8 and 12 years old can unleash their inner artist with a mango-themed masterpiece (model, painting, or any other form of creative expression). The festival also features agricultural companies, farmers, and families showcasing their diverse fruit harvests, including a variety of mangoes and citrus fruits. Open daily from 4.30pm to 10pm, this event promises a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Don’t forget to check the competition requirements – for the “Mango Mazayna” and any category accepting mangoes, entries must be a single variety, free of blemishes, appropriate in size, and presented in 4kg boxes. Winning farms and homes will be subject to inspections by the judges.
Even hotels are getting in on the mango action! The President Hotel in Dubai is running a special mango menu at two of its outlets until mid-July. With dishes starting as low as Dh24 and going up to Dh49, this is a delicious way to experience the king of fruits in a luxurious setting.
So, mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in the sweet, juicy goodness of mangoes! The UAE’s vibrant festivals and culinary offerings are sure to make this a summer season to remember.
