Each year, farmers from the northern region of the country look forward to the date festival, where they can display and sell their finest produce. Among these horticulturists is Omar Al Hammadi, who eagerly anticipates his annual participation in the event. "We begin our preparations in January by applying fertilizers to the date palms. In February, the male palms generate pollen, which is then either scattered or manually placed over the female flowers," explained Al Hammadi, who owns a farm in Ras Al Khaimah. Al Hammadi, who works in Abu Dhabi, visits his farm every weekend with his family to tend to his 1,200 palm trees. "In our culture, we regard the date palms as family members, and it's crucial to nurture them personally," added Al Hammadi, noting that the first harvest occurs in July.
The eighth edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival started on Thursday at Expo Al Dhaid and is scheduled to continue until July 28. Organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the festival attracts extensive participation from palm owners, farmers, industrialists, and productive families involved in the industry across the UAE. At the festival, most participants sell over 300kg of dates daily. "It's not just about selling; it's about displaying the diverse types of dates that are a significant part of our culture and tradition," remarked Al Hammadi. More than 35 varieties of locally grown dates are being exhibited this season, making the festival a festive occasion for Emirati families.
"Before 1990, local farmers displayed their produce in the markets of each town. People from the town would come to see the dates and purchase them," said Saeed Aldarmaki, who attended the festival with his family. "We don’t just enjoy the date exhibition; we celebrate it," added Aldarmaki. At the festival, local farmers are also showcasing other produce, including various fruits like mangoes, lemons, papaya, bananas, and figs. Palm owners and farmers from Sharjah and other emirates are keen to participate in the festival’s competitions, which award valuable prizes to 130 winners across various categories.
The main competitions in the festival’s 8th edition include ‘The Best Lemons,’ ‘Fig Contest,’ and ‘The Most Beautiful Home-grown Dates’ (exclusively for women). Festival visitors can explore an impressive array of handicrafts and a variety of fruits on display. Highlights include masterpieces made from dried leaves of date palms and other species. The festival also features intricately woven baskets, ornamental pieces, and traditional crafts, all reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. The Al Dhaid Date Festival 2024, which highlights the UAE's deep-rooted heritage in palm cultivation, is open to visitors daily from 7am to 10pm.
