Latest news with #AlDhaidDateFestival
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Al Dhaid Date Festival concludes on a high note with over AED 2mln in sales and 25% rise in visitors
Sharjah: The 9th edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival concluded on Sunday at Expo Al Dhaid with exceptional success, drawing thousands of visitors throughout its five-day run. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this year's edition attracted over 30,000 visitors- up 25% from the previous edition, generated more than AED 2 million in sales, and awarded 110 participants across its various date competitions, cementing the festival's position as one of the leading agricultural and trading events in the region. During the closing ceremony, H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, presented awards to competition winners and acknowledged key partners for their role and contributions to the festival's success. Also honoured were H.E. Rashid Khalifa Al Mahyan, Chairman of the Parents Council for Male and Female Students in the Central Region, and Dr. Rashid Al Mazrouei, a heritage studies expert, in recognition of their valuable contributions to the success of the festival. This year's edition featured broad participation from prominent date producers, palm farmers from across the UAE, and representatives from more than 15 agricultural companies showcasing the latest sustainable farming technologies. Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais said that the Al Dhaid Date Festival stands as a unique model of sustainable development, integrating economic, social, and environmental dimensions into one platform. 'The festival reflects Sharjah's firm commitment to advancing the agricultural sector through supporting sector-specific events and initiatives and attracting companies that provide cutting-edge farming technologies, equipment, technical consultations, and training programmes designed to equip participants with technical expertise to keep pace with modern agricultural advancements and innovations,' he added. For his part, H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, affirmed that one of the most significant achievements the Al Dhaid Date Festival has made over its 9 editions is its contribution in promoting and preserving traditional palm cultivation knowledge for future generations. He noted that this effort safeguards the sustainability of the UAE's agricultural heritage and facilitates the integration of time-honored farming techniques with emerging technologies and advanced practices that enhance productivity and sector resilience. Meanwhile, Mohammad Musabah Al Tunaiji, General Coordinator of the Al Dhaid Date Festival, emphasised the festival's focus on sustainability in palm cultivation and its role in reinforcing the cultural identity of the Emirate through heritage-themed events. He noted that the festival's combination of traditional activities and agricultural contests serves as a comprehensive platform to introduce visitors to the fundamentals of the UAE's agricultural heritage and the symbolic value of the palm tree in local culture. This year's edition aligns with the UAE's 'Year of Community', placing a special focus on productive families and home-based businesses. It served as a vibrant platform for showcasing their innovative products that blend authentic heritage with creativity. The exhibits drew significant visitor engagement and ranged from handcrafted items made of palm fronds, such as 'makhareef', to authentic Emirati dishes like harees and machboos that evoke the spirit of the past, in addition to natural locally produced honey, family-recipe spice blends, and traditional Arabic coffee. This year's festival also featured an expanded list of competitions, including popular varieties such as Khneizi, Khalas, and Shishi, along with two elite categories: General Al Dhaid Elite Dates and Special Al Dhaid Elite Dates for Northern Emirates farmers. Other contests target specific community groups, such as a women's homegrown date competition and a children's 'Ratb Al Kharaif Beauty' contest, in addition to red fig and local lemon categories. The contests were marked by precise organisation and high-quality submissions, as participants presented the best of their farm yields. These efforts aligned with the launch of the Sharjah Chamber's new 'Busharat Al-Qeith' initiative, aimed at honoring pioneering farmers with early seasonal harvests. Introduced in parallel with festival preparations, the initiative underscores the festival's strategy to promote excellence and agricultural innovation. The Organising Committee of the Al Dhaid Date Festival incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) into the judging process of the 'Mazaiena Al Rutab' (Dates Beauty) Contest, one of the festival's flagship events, in a pioneering move that reflects the festival's commitment to enhancing judging mechanisms and raising competition standards. The newly introduced AI system is designed to strengthen evaluation standards through advanced analysis of quality, size, color, and appearance, ensuring objective, transparent, and efficient judging across the festival's core competitions. The festival hosted a series of workshops and expert-led seminars aimed at equipping farmers with best practices and the latest agricultural technologies, further reinforcing the festival's dual mission of cultural preservation and modernisation, with a particular focus on palm tree care. This year's edition hosted an interactive youth session organised by the Sharjah Youth Council (SYC), in collaboration with the UAE Youth Entrepreneurship Council. Held under the theme 'At the Heart of Sharjah Central Region.. Our Youth: Leadership and Growth,' the session witnessed the launch of an innovative youth-focused competition titled "Innovate with Dates," scheduled for the next edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival. The competition aims to stimulate youth innovation by encouraging the development of commercially viable, value-added concepts derived from dates in fields such as food manufacturing, biotechnology, and contemporary craft production. The session also featured the announcement of the Sharjah Youth Council's plan to establish the "Central Region Youth Council," set to be officially launched during International Youth Day on 12th August. The new council will serve as a representative platform for young people in the Central Region, enabling their involvement in shaping and executing initiatives that address local priorities. For further information, please contact: Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Al Dhaid Date Festival:A premier platform for agricultural sector
Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this year's edition hosted more than 15 agricultural companies showcasing the latest sustainable farming technologies, reflecting the sector's growing focus on innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge solutions to optimise farm performance and improve yield quality. Participants shared inspiring success stories that highlighted both the preservation of traditional farming practices and the advancement of smart and future-forward agriculture initiatives. Their contributions, marked by product excellence and innovation in production techniques, underscored the agricultural sector's strategic importance in driving food security and supporting sustainable development goals. Jamal Saeed Bouzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication Department at SCCI and Head of the Al Dhaid Date Festival's Media Committee, said that this year's strong participation underscores the festival's role as a commercial and marketing platform for technology transfer among farmers. The festival showcases cutting-edge solutions in organic and sustainable farming, modern agricultural mechanization, and AI-driven farming processes, offering farmers a unique opportunity to learn about best practices that enhance output quality and operational efficiency. Al-Washah Dates Farm, led by owner Rashid Ahmed Al-Tunaiji, stood out for its display of premium local date varieties, including Khalas, Barhi, and Lulu. Produced under the highest quality standards, these offerings highlight the farm's commitment to combining traditional agricultural heritage with advanced practices in organic cultivation. Al-Fahd Dates Farm demonstrated an innovative business approach through its display of premium date varieties, highlighting its strategic investment in downstream industries. The farm showcased value-added products such as pure date syrup, high-quality date paste, and gourmet stuffed dates, all developed and packaged with advanced methods aligned with the expectations of both domestic and global markets. Young farmer Sultan Ali Al-Khuzaymi from the Emirate of Fujairah presented an inspiring success story that reflects the UAE's efforts to empower youth. His participation in Al Dhaid Date Festival stemmed from a deep family tradition in agriculture and a personal commitment to sustain and evolve their legacy. His product line stood out for its premium quality, comprising both heritage and enhanced date varieties, alongside organically cultivated Turkish figs. Participating farmers commended the consistent and substantial support extended by the Sharjah Chamber, highlighting its role in sustaining the festival's success and enhancing its impact on the agricultural community.
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Al Dhaid Date Festival supports productive families
Supporting heritage and innovation through local participation Productive families are showcasing a diverse range of innovative, heritage-inspired products, celebrating Emirati culture and entrepreneurship. Their participation highlights the festival's commitment to empowering communities economically and socially, while promoting the cultural and commercial value of date palms. Traditional products attract visitors The productive families' pavilion has drawn significant visitor interest, offering items such as traditional palm-based crafts like woven baskets and heritage containers, Emirati dishes such as harees and machboos, and locally produced honey, Emirati spices, and Arabic coffee blends. SCCI reaffirms commitment to social responsibility His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, emphasized that the involvement of productive families aligns with the chamber's corporate social responsibility strategy and the broader goals of the 'Year of Community', fostering inclusivity and sustainable development. Showcasing generational craftsmanship Participant Khesbah Saeed Mohammed shared her enthusiasm for the festival, where she annually presents her handmade crafts like sarod and mahafat, passed down from her mother. Her work highlights the festival's role in preserving traditional palm-frond skills across generations. Bridging tradition and modernity Maryam Al Yamahi featured a collection of palm-related crafts such as makhareef and saf, blending modern design elements to appeal to contemporary consumers. She praised the festival for its role in market expansion, business growth, and entrepreneurial support. A rich cultural and commercial experience Running daily from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, the Al Dhaid Date Festival offers a comprehensive visitor experience centered on dates and seasonal fruits, while continuing to serve as a strategic platform for supporting productive families and local artisans.
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
New initiative to enhance palm sector innovation in Al Dhaid
Held under the theme "At the Heart of Sharjah Central Region… Our Youth: Leadership and Growth", the session aimed to reinforce the festival's role as a strategic platform for recognising agricultural innovation and empowering youth contributions to the future of the sector. The event was attended by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI; and Rashid Khalifa Al Mahyan, Chairman of the Parents Council for Male and Female Students in the Central Region, along with several senior representatives and members of youth councils from across the UAE. During the youth circle, officials announced the launch of an innovative youth-focused competition titled "Innovate with Dates," scheduled for the next edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival. The competition aims to stimulate youth innovation by encouraging the development of commercially viable, value-added concepts derived from dates in fields such as food manufacturing, biotechnology, and contemporary craft production. The session also featured the announcement of the Sharjah Youth Council's plan to establish the "Central Region Youth Council," set to be officially launched during International Youth Day on August 12, 2025. The new council will serve as a representative platform for youth in the Central Region, enabling their involvement in shaping and executing initiatives that address local priorities. It aims to ensure that regional development strategies are informed by grassroots insights and aligned with community needs. H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais reaffirmed the Sharjah Chamber's commitment to supporting youth empowerment by launching targeted initiatives that strengthen their contribution to economic progress. He emphasised the Chamber's efforts to foster entrepreneurial engagement among young individuals, particularly in the SME sector, by providing them with opportunities to unleash their creative potential and turn their innovative ideas into successful tangible projects. Moderated by Yaqoub Al Baloushi, Media Officer at the Sharjah Youth Council, the session highlighted key discussions focused on advancing national priorities that position youth as central stakeholders in the country's development agenda. It highlighted the importance of empowering the next generation as proactive contributors to future-building, in line with the objectives of the UAE's National Youth Agenda 2031. A distinguished panel of speakers contributed to the youth circle. Dr Mariam Bin Haddah Al Suwaidi, President of Sharjah Youth Council, highlighted the Council's evolving role from mere representation to achieving real impact through the development of initiatives that address the genuine needs of youth. She noted that the establishment of the Central Region Youth Council reflects an institutional commitment to ensuring that the perspectives of young individuals inform policy and leadership decisions across the emirate. Abdullah Al Kaabi, member of the UAE Youth Entrepreneurship Council, stated that the entrepreneurial environment in the UAE has evolved into a key catalyst for empowering youth. He explained how the integrated ecosystem of mentorship and networking is opening new horizons for young people in the Central Region to transform their innovative ideas into viable and scalable business projects. Jassim Al Obaidli, Director of Youth Engagement at the Federal Youth Authority, spoke about the Authority's role as a national umbrella dedicated to youth empowerment and development across the UAE. Maha Al Muhairi, member of the UAE Youth Council for Agriculture, concluded the discussion by stressing the importance of youth empowerment in the modern agricultural sector. She noted that ensuring future food security hinges on the fusion of innovation, technology, and sustainability, presenting a unique leadership opportunity for the next generation.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Al Dhaid Date Festival empowers productive families with new business and marketing opportunities
Sharjah: The 9th edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival, the agricultural and commercial annual flagship event organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), continues its vibrant events and activities at Expo Al Dhaid which will run until Sunday, July 27. In line with the UAE's 'Year of Community', this year's edition features strong participation from productive families and home-based businesses, who showcase a wide range of innovative and heritage-inspired products. The festival offers a dynamic platform that highlights the cultural and economic significance of the date palm and supports the commercial endeavours of productive families, thereby promoting their integration into the broader economic and social landscape. The productive families' pavilion drew strong visitor interest, offering a variety of value-added products and traditional crafts derived from the palm tree, including intricately woven baskets and heritage-themed containers. The pavilion also featured popular Emirati traditional dishes such as 'harees' and 'machboos', in addition to locally produced honey, unique Emirati spices, and premium Arabic coffee with its special blends. In his remarks, H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, said that promoting the involvement of productive families in the Al Dhaid Date Festival aligns with its strategic focus on corporate social responsibility and sustainable development. It also supports the objectives of the UAE's 'Year of Community', aimed at fostering social cohesion and collaboration among all segments of society. One of the featured participants, Khesbah Saeed Mohammed, expressed her keen interest in taking part in the Al Dhaid Date Festival every year to exhibit her line of traditional crafts. She noted that her handmade products, including 'sarod' and 'mahafat', are crafted using inherited techniques taught by her mother. This underscores the role of the festival in preserving and sustaining palm frond crafts and heritage-based skills across generations. Maryam Al Yamahi presents a selection of artisanal products rooted in palm-related crafts, emphasising items like 'makhareef' and 'saf', which resonate with consumers as symbols of Emirati heritage. By incorporating modern design elements, Al Yamahi aims to align these traditional crafts with contemporary tastes and modern touches. She highlighted the festival's role as a strategic platform for productive families, enabling broader market access, supporting increased sales, and fostering business growth and project development. Running daily through Sunday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, this year's edition of the Al Dhaid Festival delivers a rich visitor experience centered on dates and seasonal fruits, while continuing to play a vital role in supporting and enabling productive families and homegrown producers. For further information, please contact: - Ali Elgendy Misbar Communications ali@ Ahmad Aldwairi Misbar Communications
