Al Dhafra Dates Festival 2025 Kicks Off with AED5.5M Prizes

Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi – The fourth edition of the Al Dhafra Dates Festival and Auction has officially begun under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival promises to be a celebration of Emirati heritage, culture, and the nation’s prized dates.

Running until 26 October 2025, the festival aims to cement its reputation as a premier international heritage event. It highlights the importance of date production, supports national food security goals, and encourages farmers to enhance quality standards while sharing knowledge on palm cultivation.

This year, attendees can enjoy 21 competitions with 173 prizes totaling more than AED5.5 million. Competitions span date beauty contests, honey competitions, cooking, date packaging, painting, and photography, reflecting the festival’s blend of tradition and creativity.

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At the center of the festival is the daily Date Auction, a highly anticipated highlight where visitors can bid on premium Emirati dates across various types and grades, all displayed elegantly on dedicated tables.

Beyond auctions and contests, the festival offers a vibrant mix of cultural and educational activities, including traditional folk performances, art exhibitions, heritage craft workshops, and awareness lectures. Visitors can also explore retail outlets, farming equipment displays, and the festival’s unique Honey Village.

Government and private sector participants are actively involved, presenting interactive programmes, awareness platforms for farmers, and innovative agricultural solutions.

This year’s festival also features the Kingdom of Morocco as the guest of honour, strengthening cultural and agricultural cooperation, particularly in palm cultivation and date production, while fostering ties across other key sectors.

The Al Dhafra Dates Festival continues to be more than just a celebration of dates—it’s a platform where tradition meets innovation, culture meets commerce, and Emirati heritage shines on the global stage.