Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is organising the fifth edition of the Al Dhafra Dates Festival from October 16 to 25 in Madinat Zayed. Kuwait’s selection as guest of honour reflects the deep fraternal bonds and common cultural heritage between the United Arab Emirates and the State of Kuwait, according to an announcement from the Abu Dhabi Media Office. The festival will provide opportunities for visitors to engage with various aspects of Kuwaiti heritage while promoting the exchange of expertise among participants from across the region. Organisers expect the event to enhance the overall visitor experience and underscore the strong cultural connections uniting Gulf communities.
The programme includes 22 competitions offering a total of 180 prizes valued at AED4.6 million, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority reported. These contests encompass seven date beauty categories such as Al Dhafra Elite, Fardh, Zamli, Dabbas, Boumaan, Khalas and Shishi along with an international competition for cooking using dates, date products and olive oil. A dedicated photography award will focus on three themes, palm trees and dates, marine life, and wildlife in Al Dhafra, with additional activities spanning heritage displays, cultural performances and family-oriented workshops. The authority has scheduled a daily dates auction throughout the festival period to support local producers and stimulate economic activity in the Al Dhafra Region.
Rashid Khadem Al Rumaithi, director of the Al Dhafra Dates Festival, outlined how the competitions aim to preserve agricultural traditions and improve the quality of date production across the UAE. The event builds on the success of prior editions, including the 2025 festival that featured Morocco as guest of honour and distributed more than AED5.5 million in prizes across 21 competitions, according to data from the Abu Dhabi Media Office. Such gatherings have consistently drawn participation from government entities, private businesses and international contributors while generating tourism that bolsters the local economy. Al Rumaithi noted that the festival also celebrates local arts and talent as part of its broader mandate.
The palm tree holds central importance in Emirati heritage, serving as a symbol of resilience and contributing to food security and sustainable agriculture, a position reinforced by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority through its annual programming. Previous iterations of the festival have included specialised villages for honey and international dates, allowing direct sales and educational interactions that attracted thousands of visitors. For the current edition, Kuwaiti pavilions will introduce traditional crafts and products, further enriching the cultural exchange that has become a hallmark of the event since its inception. This focus aligns with wider regional efforts to safeguard palm cultivation practices amid evolving environmental and economic conditions.
Organisers have coordinated with multiple partners to deliver interactive programmes, exhibitions and lectures tailored for different age groups, the Abu Dhabi Media Office stated. Retail areas will offer dates, related products and agricultural tools while heritage craft displays showcase traditional industries derived from palm materials. The festival’s structure encourages both competition and collaboration, providing a platform where farmers and enthusiasts can share knowledge that supports long-term improvements in date quality and market reach. Attendance at past events demonstrated growing interest, with increasing numbers of participants from beyond the UAE contributing to its status as a leading regional heritage gathering.
