Farmers from the northern regions of the UAE eagerly anticipate the annual date festival to display and sell their cherished produce. Among these horticulturists is Omar Al Hammadi, who participates in the festival every year with great enthusiasm.
“We start our preparations in January by providing fertilizers to the date palms. In February, the male palms produce pollen, which are then either sprinkled or hand-tied over the female flowers,” explained Al Hammadi, who manages a farm in Ras Al Khaimah. Despite working in Abu Dhabi, Al Hammadi travels to his farm every weekend with his family to tend to nearly 1,200 palm trees. “In our culture, we consider the date palms to be a part of the family, and it is essential to take care of them with our own hands,” he added. The first produce is harvested in July.
The eighth edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival began on Thursday at Expo Al Dhaid and will run until July 28. Organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the festival sees extensive participation from palm owners, farmers, industrialists, and productive families across the UAE.
Participants at the festival sell more than 300kg of dates daily. “It is not just about selling; it’s about showcasing the different types of dates that are a rich part of our culture and tradition,” said Al Hammadi.
Over 35 varieties of locally grown dates are being showcased this season, making the festival a significant event for Emirati families. “Before 1990, local farmers showcased their produce in the markets of each town. People from the town would visit the farmers to see the dates and buy them,” recalled Saeed Aldarmaki, who attended the festival with his family. “We don’t just enjoy the date exhibition; we celebrate it,” he added.
In addition to dates, local farmers are showcasing other produce, including fruits like mangoes, lemons, papayas, bananas, and figs. Palm owners and farmers from Sharjah and other emirates are eager to compete in the festival’s contests, which offer valuable prizes to 130 winners across various categories.
The main competitions in this year’s festival include ‘The Best Lemons,’ ‘Fig Contest,’ and ‘The Most Beautiful Home-grown Dates’ (only for women). Visitors can also explore a remarkable collection of handicrafts and a variety of fruits on display. Highlights include masterpieces crafted from dried date palm leaves and other materials, as well as intricately woven baskets, ornamental pieces, and traditional crafts, all showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
The Al Dhaid Date Festival 2024, which celebrates the UAE’s deep-rooted heritage in palm cultivation, is open to visitors daily from 7am to 10pm.
