Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority will host the second edition of the Al Wathba Dates Festival. The event will take place as part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, running from 10 January until 28 February 2025.
The festival will feature 12 competitions for date packaging (both with and without additives) across six varieties: Khalas, Fard, Dabbas Boumaan, Shishi, and Zamli. A total of 120 prizes worth more than AED2 million will be awarded. A traditional market will showcase shops dedicated to dates and related industries, as well as outlets offering agricultural tools and palm seedlings.
The festival aims to raise awareness of the palm tree's importance, in line with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, for the sustainable cultivation of palms. The festival also seeks to encourage the production and marketing of dates and related industries, while supporting initiatives that enhance food security and ensure its long-term sustainability.
The Al Wathba Dates Festival attracts enthusiasts and visitors of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, serving as a specialised platform for marketing and selling both Emirati and international dates and their derivatives. Beyond preserving UAE’s agricultural heritage, the festival promotes the exchange of expertise between farmers from around the world on advanced farming techniques, palm tree care, and authentic Emirati traditions.
The Al Wathba Dates Festival is a key part of the heritage and agricultural events that celebrate dates in the UAE, particularly in Abu Dhabi. Throughout the season, the spotlight is placed on the palm tree and its products, recognizing it as a national treasure and a cornerstone of Emirati heritage.
