The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry has completed arrangements for the 10th Al Dhaid Date Festival, which opens on July 23 and runs for several days in the historic city of Al Dhaid. According to a statement carried by the Emirates News Agency, the event will feature exhibitions of various date varieties, auctions, workshops on cultivation techniques and cultural performances that highlight the role of date palms in Emirati heritage. The chamber’s initiative seeks to strengthen ties between farmers, traders and consumers while showcasing innovation in the sector.
Previous editions of the festival have grown steadily in scale since its inception, drawing participation from across the United Arab Emirates and neighbouring countries. A review of historical WAM coverage indicates that earlier iterations included competitions for the best date products and seminars led by agricultural experts, trends the 10th edition is expected to continue. The event also provides a platform for small-scale producers to market directly to buyers, an element that has proven effective in prior years.
Date cultivation forms a cornerstone of Sharjah’s agricultural economy, with the emirate maintaining extensive palm groves that benefit from dedicated support programmes. Figures from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment show that the country maintains more than 40 million date palm trees nationwide, contributing to both local consumption and export markets. The festival aligns with broader national efforts to preserve traditional farming practices while introducing modern sustainability methods, the chamber indicated in its announcement.
Organisers plan to incorporate educational components focused on pest control, irrigation efficiency and post-harvest handling during the 10th edition. The Emirates News Agency reported that authorities in Sharjah have invited farmers, cooperatives and businesses involved in the date value chain to take part in the activities at dedicated venues in Al Dhaid. Additional programming will address marketing strategies and opportunities for value-added date products, areas the chamber has emphasised in recent years.
The festival arrives at a time when regional interest in heritage crops has intensified, supported by government incentives for the agricultural sector. According to Central Bank of the UAE economic reports, the broader agriculture industry has seen steady investment growth, with date-related activities forming a visible part of that expansion in Sharjah and other emirates. Chamber officials have positioned the event as an opportunity to reinforce these trends through direct engagement with stakeholders.
Visitors to the 10th Al Dhaid Date Festival can expect a mix of commercial displays, traditional food sampling and family-oriented entertainment spread across the festival grounds. The Emirates News Agency noted that entry details and the full schedule will be released closer to the opening date through official Sharjah Chamber channels. This edition marks a decade of continuous organisation by the chamber, underscoring the sustained importance placed on the date palm within the emirate’s cultural and economic framework.
