2nd Al Wathba Date Festival showcases importance of sustainable date palm cultivation and Emirati tradition
10 Apr 2025 13:10
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The second edition of the Al Wathba Date Festival has concluded. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event was organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority.The festival, which commenced on January 10, featured 12 competitions for date packaging - both with and without additives - covering six varieties of dates: Khalas, Fard, Dabbas, Bumaan, Shishi, and Zamli.A total of 120 prizes, exceeding Dh2 million, were allocated for the competitions, which attracted 310 date producers and manufacturers from across the UAE.Participants presented over 3,100 kilograms of premium dates, utilising innovative and sustainable packaging designed to meet high-quality standards.The festival showcased more than 200 varieties of dates and related products across 40 dedicated shops, with 172 date producers and manufacturers participating in rotation over 79 days. To ensure diversity, the festival revamped its line-up of shops every 10 days, offering visitors a dynamic selection of Emirati dates and a variety of date-based products, including items crafted from date palm components.The festival aims to raise awareness about the importance of the palm tree, aligning with the vision of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to ensure the sustainability of date palm cultivation while encouraging date production, date trade, and related industries.It also supports food security initiatives, contributing to their long-term sustainability.As a specialised platform for marketing and selling Emirati and international dates and their products, the festival plays a vital role in preserving the country's agricultural heritage.
It also facilitates the exchange of expertise among farmers from around the world, promoting modern agricultural techniques, palm tree care, and the rich Emirati heritage.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
5 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE's new climate law sparks future-proof economic growth –experts
8 June 2025 23:58 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI) Businesses across the UAE are adjusting to new sweeping climate compliance requirements under Federal Decree-Law No. (11) of 2024, now officially in effect. The law mandates all entities operating in the UAE, including those in free zones, to measure, track, and manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A one-month grace period, ending on June 28, was granted for registration and initial compliance. Cabinet Resolution No. 67 of 2024 details the specific thresholds and implementation requirements under the law. It defines 'entities of huge carbon emissions' as those emitting an equivalent of at least 500,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually (Scope 1 and 2). These entities are required to register with the National Registry of Carbon Credit (NRCC) and implement full Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification protocols( MRV).Failure to comply with the UAE Climate Change Law may result in financial penalties of up to Dh1 million and temporary business suspension until all requirements are met. However, experts say businesses should look beyond penalties and recognise the legislation as a launchpad for innovation and future-proof growth. 'The law's comprehensive approach, combining regulation, market-based incentives, and innovation support, positions the UAE to lead the region in green economic transformation,' Amro Zakaria, Co-founder of Kyoto Network and CEO of Madarik Ventures, told Aletihad. 'It not only helps future-proof the economy against climate risks but also unlocks new opportunities for sustainable growth, investment, and job creation,' the global financial markets strategist added. Creating New Growth Vectors Nahla Nabil, an ESG and Sustainability Strategist, views this new law as an economic blueprint for diversification - one that creates new growth vectors while protecting existing ones.'What excites me most is that the law is sending strong signals to both sides of the market,' she told Aletihad. 'On the supply chain, it's driving innovation: carbon capture, clean tech, nature-based solutions. All of these are moving from nice-to-have to must-have. On the demand side, businesses now urgently need climate expertise, advisory services, and MRV systems and that's where I see an explosion in new jobs and opportunities,' Nabil said. She noted that UAE educational institutions are already developing programmes around climate risk and emissions management, laying the groundwork for a future-ready, knowledge-based economy.'The law also lays the foundation for a national carbon market. If done right, the UAE could lead the region in green finance not just meeting targets but setting the benchmark,' said Nabil. She also pointed out that as global regulations like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) come into effect, having verified emissions data becomes a matter of trade resilience, not just good governance. While some companies may limit themselves to basic compliance, Nabil argued that those that thrive will be the ones exploring how the law can create value and drive innovation.'The law gives us direction, from tracking emissions to exploring cleaner operations. But it's not just about rules. It's about clarity. When we know where we're heading, it's easier to make smart, future-focused decisions.' Expanding Impact According to Nabil, companies that are ready to move beyond compliance should focus on emissions hotspots to identify innovation potential, engage early in carbon credit systems, and support customers in reducing their emissions to expand the impact of their climate strategies. Zakaria pointed out that the law encourages research and development (R&D) and innovation, offering incentives for the private sector to develop climate solutions, such as clean energy, carbon capture, and alternatives to high-emission materials. Companies can also engage in carbon trading, turning emissions reductions into financial assets and new revenue streams, he added. 'Research has proven that companies that have an ESG strategy and an environmentally conscious mindset are generally more profitable. One reason for that is that the cost of capital (finance rates) is lower for projects with lower carbon intensity,' Zakaria said. Over time, he added, compliance with this law will help UAE firms reduce their carbon footprint, positioning them for better access to international markets that may soon be out of reach for high carbon foot print companies and high carbon intensity Beyond EmissionsAccording to Zakaria, the law introduces several market-based tools to support implementation, including Carbon Credit Market/ETS, Carbon Offsetting and Shadow Pricing, Technology Adoption Incentives, Green Tax Incentives, Sustainable Finance Frameworkm, and Performance pointed to the law's alignment with international climate frameworks, without losing sight of national priorities.'Post-COP28, it's clear the UAE isn't just pledging alignment with the Paris Agreement it's embedding it. The law reinforces our Nationally Determined Contributions and puts in place the systems to act on them,' she said. 'The National Carbon Credit Registry is also a forward-looking move, signalling readiness for Article 6 and future participation in global carbon markets not just keeping pace, but helping shape what's next.'From an ESG standpoint, Nabil said the law reflects global standards like TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) and the GHG Protocol, offering a robust foundation for environmental reporting. While the current focus is on emissions, she expects broader governance and risk disclosures aligned with GRI and ISSB to follow.'That evolution feels natural, and the UAE's approach has been open and adaptive. The real progress will come with implementation and I'm optimistic we're heading toward even deeper global alignment.' Nabil views this law as a foundational step in a broader ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) shift.'At first glance, it may seem like the law is mostly focused on emissions and the environment - the 'E' in ESG. But when you read deeper, you realise it's more than that. This is a framework law,' she said. 'It's meant to be built on, with future ministerial resolutions, technical guidelines, and sector-specific policies that will gradually define the full ESG landscape.'Nabil points to Article 7 on climate adaptation, which moves beyond environmental metrics to address health systems, infrastructure resilience, early warning systems, and inter-agency coordination - elements that touch on both social and governance priorities. 'Even the definitions section makes it clear: climate impacts are not just about nature, they include effects on lives, health, economies, and culture,' she explained. 'The law sets the stage for ESG reporting that is people-centred, risk-aware, and impact-driven.'
Filipino Times
3 days ago
- Filipino Times
Abu Dhabi approves AED4.62 billion housing package for over 3,000 Emiratis
A new AED4.62 billion housing package has been approved in Abu Dhabi to support 3,052 Emirati families with home loans and debt relief, under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The announcement comes just before Eid Al Adha and is part of the country's ongoing efforts to improve the lives of its citizens, especially in building stronger families and communities. Out of the total amount, AED4.4 billion will go to housing loans for 2,862 citizens, while AED212 million will cover loan exemptions for 190 low-income retirees and families of deceased citizens. This is the second housing aid released in 2025, raising the year's total housing benefits in Abu Dhabi to AED11.38 billion. The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority said the package is meant to provide better homes and reduce the financial burden on Emiratis, helping families live more comfortably and securely. Officials also highlighted earlier housing support efforts, including the AED250,000 community subsidy and the option to cut monthly loan payments by up to 50%.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Khaled clears Dhs4.62b housing benefits for 3,052 citizens
Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his capacity as Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved a housing benefits package worth Dhs4.62 billion, benefiting 3,052 Emirati citizens across the emirate. The approved housing benefits package includes housing loans amounting to Dhs4.4 billion benefiting 2,862 citizens, and exemptions from housing loan repayments totalling Dhs212 million benefiting 190 citizens, limited-income retirees and beneficiaries of deceased citizens. The disbursement of the second housing package of 2025 comes ahead of Eid Al Adha and reflects the leadership's ongoing commitment to comprehensive development, enhancing the well-being and stability of Emirati families, empowering them to actively contribute to the nation's progress, in line with UAE Year of Community objectives aimed at strengthening social cohesion and reinforcing community solidarity. This package brings the total housing benefits delivered to citizens in Abu Dhabi in 2025 to Dhs11.38 billion. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said, 'The new housing benefits package reflects the leadership's commitment to empowering citizens through the provision of quality housing that promotes family stability and elevates quality of life. On this occasion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and to His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for their enduring support to advance the housing sector and foster a thriving and cohesive society.' Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said, 'The second housing package of 2025 highlights the depth of our leadership's strategic vision to build a prosperous future, enhancing quality of life and providing sustainable housing solutions that meet Emirati citizens' needs and aspirations. 'The generous support from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, reaffirms the leadership's steadfast commitment to fostering social and family stability and ensuring a fulfilling life for Emirati families.' The housing benefits package follows the recent endorsement of an additional community support subsidy of Dhs250,000 for existing beneficiaries of housing loans, including a reduction of up to 50 per cent in monthly loan instalments, and a wide range of other services and facilities. WAM
