Al Dhaid Date Festival Opens With Farmers And Competitions

Photo: WAM

The 9th edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival, which is one of the most important agricultural and commercial events in Sharjah, started on Thursday at Expo Al Dhaid. This festival is organised every year by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). It brings together date farmers, palm growers, and many people who love local agriculture and dates.

When And Where Is The Festival Happening?

This year, the festival is taking place from July 23 to July 27. It is held at Expo Al Dhaid, which is a famous exhibition centre. Farmers and date producers from all parts of the UAE are participating. Along with them, there are 15 agricultural companies, important people from government departments, private farming organisations, and many home-based businesses that sell dates and other farm products.

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Who Attended The Opening Ceremony?

The festival started with an official opening ceremony attended by many important leaders. Some of the key guests were:

• Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI

• Mohammed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE)

• Dr Mohammed Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE

• Salem Ali Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah City Municipal Council

Also present were:

• Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI

• Sultan Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre

• Mohammad Musabah Al Tunaiji, General Coordinator of the Al Dhaid Date Festival

Along with them, there were heads of municipal councils from Central and Eastern Sharjah, senior officials, and representatives of the participating government entities.

What Happened After The Opening Ceremony?

After the festival was officially opened, all the guests and attendees went on a tour of the exhibition halls. They saw the beautiful displays of dates and other fruits. Farmers explained to the guests about their products, how they take care of their palm trees, and the methods they use to grow healthy dates. Many visitors felt happy to see the hard work of farmers and the variety of dates available in the UAE.

Competitions And Cultural Activities

The festival has organised many competitions and contests. These contests not only make the festival fun but also motivate farmers to bring their best quality dates. Some of the main competitions include:

• Khneizi Date Competition

• Khalas Date Competition

• Shishi Date Competition

There are also two special competitions:

• General Al Dhaid Elite Dates Competition

• Special Al Dhaid Elite Dates Competition, specially for farmers from the Northern Emirates.

For women, there is a special homegrown date competition. Children also get to participate in the "Ratb Al Kharaif Beauty" contest, which is very popular among kids. Additionally, there are contests for local lemon and red fig varieties. All these competitions are held under the "Busharat Al-Qeith" initiative, which promotes early harvesting and quality produce.

Learning About Palm Trees And Farming

The festival is not just about competitions and displays. There are also educational seminars and workshops where experts teach farmers and visitors about:

• Different varieties of palm trees

• Best methods to grow healthy palm trees

• New farming technologies

• How to improve date quality

• Sustainable farming practices

One of the important seminars on the first day focused on palm tree varieties, their cultivation methods, and special farming practices used in Sharjah. This helped visitors learn about both traditional knowledge and modern innovations in farming.

Celebrating Heritage And Culture

Every evening, the festival organises heritage-themed contests and entertainment programmes. These programmes celebrate the UAE's rich agricultural traditions and teach the younger generation about their cultural roots. People enjoyed watching traditional performances, songs, and shows that highlighted life in the olden days when dates were the main source of food and income for families.

Recognition For Participants

During the opening ceremony, government entities and organisations that supported the festival were given special recognition for their efforts. Also, the winners of competitions held on the first two days were awarded for their excellent produce and creativity.

Why Is This Festival Important?

Speaking at the festival, Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, said that the Al Dhaid Date Festival has become a cultural landmark and an economic platform. It has been supporting hundreds of farmers in Sharjah and other Emirates for the past nine years. He said that this success shows how Sharjah Chamber is committed to improving the agricultural sector by encouraging farmers to improve their product quality and by providing them with platforms to showcase their hard work.

Government's View On The Festival

Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said that the Al Dhaid Date Festival is a national initiative. It supports the UAE's food security goals and helps build sustainable agricultural systems. He also said that the large community participation shows that people are now more aware of the importance of investing in local agriculture. He added that this festival aligns with the ministry’s vision to make agriculture more resilient, innovative, and sustainable.

Connecting Farmers And Investors

The General Coordinator of the festival, Mohammed Musabah Al Tunaiji, said that this festival is a strategic platform that connects farmers with investors. It helps farmers find new business opportunities and also highlights young talents and youth engagement in palm cultivation and agriculture.

Support For Home-Based Producers

The festival provides home-based producers with opportunities to showcase and sell their products. This helps them gain commercial exposure and grow their small businesses. It also contributes to social and economic development, especially in the Year of Community theme declared in the UAE.

A Blend Of Culture, Business, And Learning

In the end, the Al Dhaid Date Festival offers a complete experience. It combines heritage, cultural shows, competitions, business opportunities, and educational activities. It is not only a place for farmers to sell their products but also a platform to learn, connect, and celebrate the UAE’s rich agricultural heritage. The festival shows how Sharjah and the UAE are working together to support farmers, encourage local produce, and keep their traditions alive while using modern farming innovations to ensure food security and sustainability for the future.