Abu Dhabi: The iconic fruit of the UAE is being celebrated at the 11th annual Liwa Date Festival which kicked off today (Wednesday) at Abu Dhabi emirate’s Western Region.
Welcoming guests from across the country with heartwarming smiles and sincere hospitality, the festival’s participants, including a number of farmers and Emiratis from the Western Region, are anticipating an even larger footfall this year.
Held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the festival will run in Liwa until July 30 from 4-10pm daily.
During this annual celebration of the iconic UAE fruit, a number of farmers will compete to win a total grand prize of Dh6 million.
A number of children’s activities will run alongside cultural activities including live music and animal shows.
Meanwhile, a traditional souq featuring stalls of hardworking Bedouin women will allow visitors to purchase hennas, key chains, hand-made cloth and numerous other handicrafts to take home as souvenirs.
The eight day-festival which takes place in an air-conditioned, spacious tent, will also feature a range of workshops and educational sessions on how to care for dates.
Other fresh fruit such as mangoes and lemons will also be on display for all to purchase.
The Shaikh Khalifa Date Palm Award is also taking part in the event and bids to highlight the vital role that the date has played in the UAE’s past while also emphasising the ties that the sweet fruit has with modern life.
A variety of uses have been developed for the date including making sugar, flavoured milk, coffee and sweets.
