10th Al Dhaid Date Festival celebrates agricultural heritage

The 10th edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival, organized by Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was launched at Al Dhaid Expo Centre. This exceptional edition marks a decade since the event's inception, establishing it as a prominent agricultural and heritage event on the Chamber's annual calendar.

The festival features leading date palm farmers and date producers from across the UAE, along with several government entities, companies specializing in the agricultural sector, and local producers.

The festival was inaugurated yesterday evening by HE Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman, in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Salem Al Qassimi, Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Food Diversity at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Sharjah Chamber's Board of Directors, HE Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadhi, Director General of the Chamber, Mohammed Musbeh Al Tunaiji, the festival's General Coordinator, heads of municipal councils in the Central and Eastern Regions, and representatives of the participating government entities and agricultural companies.

During their tour of the festival grounds, attendees viewed the local varieties of dates and fruits displayed by farmers and listened to explanations from participants about palm tree care methods and production. They took part in competitions and heritage performances that invoked the deep connection between agricultural heritage and the local identity of Al Dhaid.

The ceremony included honoring the winners of the first day's competitions, as well as recognizing sponsors, supporters, and partners in appreciation of their contributions to the festival's success and the achievement of its objectives.

Over the course of its decade-long history, the festival has successfully established itself as a leading agricultural and heritage platform, achieving steady growth in participation and public attendance. Its inaugural edition attracted approximately 7,000 visitors and 40 participating booths, and has continued to grow, culminating in its ninth edition, which saw over 30,000 visitors – a 25% increase compared to the previous year. Sales exceeded two million dirhams, and 110 winners were recognized across various competitions, reflecting the festival's role in supporting local production and fostering competition based on quality and excellence.

Al Owais affirmed that these successes are aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to make the Central and Eastern Regions a vital center for agricultural wealth and food security, supporting farmers and highlighting the date palm as an integral part of the national identity.

HE Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadhi emphasized the Chamber's commitment to developing support for farmers and specialized companies, transforming the event into an awareness and investment platform that combines modern agricultural technology with sustainable traditional practices that positively impact the productivity of local farms and support entrepreneurs and productive families in the region.