Al Dhaid Date Festival 2026 concludes with thousands of visitors and strong returns for exhibitors

The sixth edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival concluded on a high note at Expo Al Dhaid, following four days of auctions and commercial and agricultural activities aimed at supporting the UAE’s palm and date sector.

Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) from 8 to 11 October, this year’s edition attracted thousands of visitors and generated substantial sales of dates and palm-related products, helping increase the commercial value and market potential of local agricultural products.

The premium date auctions witnessed strong engagement and competitive bidding, showcasing a selection of the finest local varieties supplied by farmers and date palm owners. The auctions provided date producers and traders with opportunities to market their products directly to consumers, contributing to increased commercial activity during the festival.

The Al Dhaid Date Festival 2026 brought together farmers, date palm owners and producers from across the UAE, as well as agricultural companies, government entities, productive families and home-based businesses involved in date cultivation. It offered key stakeholders an integrated platform to showcase diverse date varieties and palm-related products and build direct connections with consumers and traders, while exchanging knowledge and expertise on production and cultivation practices.

The festival’s date market drew strong visitor interest, showcasing a wide range of premium and commercial date varieties, alongside palm-related products. It gave visitors an opportunity to explore the diversity of local produce, purchase products and engage directly with farmers and producers, thereby boosting the market for locally produced dates.

The participation of productive families further enhanced the festival’s offering, with dedicated platforms providing home-based and small businesses with opportunities to display and market products associated with dates, date palms and Emirati heritage.

H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, said the outcomes of the sixth Al Dhaid Date Festival underscore its established role as an important platform supporting the palm and date sector.

He explained that the growing visitor turnout and participation, together with the diversity of products and activities, highlight the value of dedicated platforms that respond to farmers’ and producers’ needs, facilitate market access, and create opportunities for direct engagement with consumers and traders.

Mohammed Musabeh Al Tunaiji, General Coordinator of the Al Dhaid Date Festival, said the strong turnout at this year’s edition reflects growing interest in the festival among farmers, producers and visitors.

He noted that the diversity of participants, combined with a programme featuring date auctions, a dedicated date market, and agricultural and heritage activities, fostered an interactive environment that brought together key stakeholders across the palm and date sector.

The Al Dhaid Date Festival 2026 delivered a comprehensive programme of agricultural and heritage events, complemented by educational workshops on modern farming practices, date palm care and methods for improving production quality.

Alongside its commercial and agricultural programme, the festival also featured cultural and artistic activities and traditional folkloric performances, highlighting the significance of date palms in Emirati heritage.