21st Liwa Date Festival Begins in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra Region with Over Dh8.7 Million in Prizes

Abu Dhabi: The 21st edition of the Liwa Date Festival kicked off today (Monday) in the city of Liwa, Al Dhafra Region, and will run until July 27, showcasing the cultural heritage and agricultural innovation of the UAE’s iconic palm tree.

Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival serves as a dynamic platform that unites farmers, factory owners, companies, and investment institutions involved in date farming and related industries. The event emphasizes sustainable agricultural practices, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of local produce, particularly dates and fruits.

Spotlight on Emirati Heritage and Innovation

Coinciding with the UAE’s date harvesting season, the festival highlights the palm tree’s deep-rooted cultural and historical significance in Emirati identity. It plays a key role in enhancing the sustainability of agriculture and heritage, supporting farmers, and strengthening food security.

24 Competitions, Dh8.735 Million in Total Prizes

This year’s edition features 24 competitions, including:

• 12 Date Mazayna Contests for popular varieties such as Dabbas, Khalas, Fardh, Khenaizi, Buma’an, Shishi, Zamli, and the Largest Date Bunch.
• Elite date categories for Liwa, Al Dhafra, and Al Ain’s Fardh and Khalas.
• 7 Fruit Contests for local/mixed lemons, mangoes, red and yellow figs, and the Local Fruits Basket.
• 3 Model Farm Competitions across Western Villages, Eastern Villages, and Al Dhafra Cities.
• Creative contests such as the Most Beautiful Date Harvest Basket (Mukhrafa) and Palm Trunk Art.

Prize Breakdown Highlights

• Dabbas and Khalas Date Mazayna: 25 prizes each; Dh446,000 prize pool per category; top prize Dh100,000.
• Fardh, Shishi, Buma’an, Khenaizi, Zamli: 15 prizes per contest; Dh100,000 top prize.
• Al Ain Fardh and Khalas Dates: 15–25 prizes; same tiered structure.
• Liwa Elite Dates: Top prize Dh125,000; total pool Dh500,000+.
• Al Dhafra Elite Dates: First prize Dh200,000; total pool Dh700,000+.
• Largest Date Bunch: 15 prizes; top prize Dh50,000; total Dh234,000.
• Local Fruits Basket: First prize Dh200,000; total pool Dh400,000.
• Fruit Categories (Lemon, Mango, Fig): 10 prizes each; up to Dh234,000 in total.
• Model Farm Categories: Prize pool of Dh750,000 per category; first prize Dh300,000.
• Creative Competitions (Basket and Palm Trunk Art): 10 prizes each.

A Celebration of Culture and Community

The festival includes a rich programme of heritage events, daily performances, lectures, traditional markets, and interactive competitions that celebrate the UAE’s cultural legacy. Local families, craftsmen, and entrepreneurs showcase date-based products, palm crafts, and agricultural goods, contributing to the regional economy.

Educational initiatives, live quizzes, folkloric shows, and cultural evenings aim to deepen public understanding of the palm’s role in Emirati society while promoting intergenerational engagement.

Supporting Sustainability and Economic Growth

The festival also acts as a collaborative hub for farmers, researchers, agricultural companies, and policymakers, helping to advance Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy for food security and sustainable farming. With thousands of visitors expected, the Liwa Date Festival continues to boost the Al Dhafra Region’s economy, while preserving the traditions of one of the UAE’s most cherished cultural symbols.