Community spirit shines as Liwa Date Festival grows as a symbol of Emirati pride
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (LIWA CITY)Year after year, Liwa Date Festival exceeds expectations, expanding in scale, quality, and impact. Behind its success is a passionate team — including volunteers who work closely with organisers to ensure smooth operations and an engaging experience for all visitors.Fatima Al Mazrouei, a university student, has travelled from Abu Dhabi to Al Dhafra Region to volunteer at the festival, and she has been doing so for three years now.
'This festival is not just about dates — it's about heritage, family, and pride,' Al Mazrouei told Aletihad . To her, devoting time to the event is a tribute to her roots, an expression of pride in the culture she grew up with.'My grandparents were date farmers, and by volunteering, I feel like I'm honouring their legacy and preserving our traditions for future generations,' she said. At the festival, volunteers help out in several aspects, from managing logistics and guiding visitors to assisting with competitions and promoting sustainability initiatives. Their efforts support the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority's goal of creating an organised, enriching experience for both visitors and participants. Ahmed Al Mansouri, who is also from Abu Dhabi, is volunteering for the first time this year at the fest's 21st edition. 'What inspired me to volunteer was the sense of belonging,' he said.'Everyone here is working with a shared goal: to celebrate something deeply rooted in our culture. I've met people from all over the country, and we're all connected through this experience.'It's more than just an event, Al Mansouri said, 'it's a national story we're writing together.'For Aisha Al Rumaithi, another volunteer and an environmental science graduate, being part of the event is a way to show her appreciation of the local culture. 'I grew up hearing stories about the Liwa Oasis and how important dates are to our survival and identity,' said Al Rumaithi. 'Now, to be part of an event that blends our past with our future — sustainability, innovation, and culture — is incredibly meaningful to me.'With its strong focus on community engagement, education, and economic development, Liwa Date Festival stands as a testament to the UAE's commitment to preserving its cultural roots while looking confidently toward the future.
From the hands of farmers to the hearts of visitors and the tireless work of volunteers, the festival continues to blossom —season after season — as a symbol of resilience, unity, and Emirati pride.
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