The Al Dhafra desert region of Abu Dhabi has once again opened its doors to the world of dates, inaugurating the fourth annual edition of the Al Dhafra Date Festival and Auction under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s representative in the region. The festival, scheduled to run until October 26, 2025, is billed as a landmark event for date production, cultural heritage and agricultural innovation.
The festival primarily aims to raise the UAE’s profile for premium date varieties, support national food security strategies, raise quality standards of the crop and provide a learning platform for growers and enthusiasts.
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This year’s edition promises an expanded competitive program. In total, 21 separate competitions will be held, offering 173 prizes worth over AED5.5 million. Contestants will compete in categories ranging from date beauty contests, honey competitions, cooking, date packing, painting and photography.
The much-anticipated daily auction is at the heart of the festival’s appeal. Visitors will have the opportunity to bid on premium Emirati dates, categorized by type and quality on dedicated display tables, adding a commercial and festive dimension to the event.
Beyond the auctions, the festival offers a rich range of cultural and educational activities. These include traditional folk performances, photography and painting exhibitions, heritage craft demonstrations, awareness talks and creative workshops designed for all age groups. Outlets offering dates and date products, agricultural equipment and a dedicated Honey Village further expand the experience.
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Government and private sector entities also participate through pavilions featuring interactive programs, farmer awareness platforms and exhibitions of their latest services and innovations in the agricultural sector.
A highlight this year is the presence of the Kingdom of Morocco as guest of honor, highlighting the deepening of agricultural and cultural cooperation between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, particularly in palm cultivation and date production.
