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Gulf Today
20-07-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Liwa Date Festival attracts more than 50,000 visitors
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the Liwa Date Festival 2025 attracted approximately 50,225 visitors over the course of five days. Now in its 21st year, the festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and will continue until 27 July in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region. The Liwa Date Festival is one of the most important events celebrating the heritage of palm trees and traditional farming in the UAE. This annual event is eagerly anticipated by farmers and the local community, as it provides significant support for the agricultural sector and food security. The festival features a variety of competitions, including 12 date competitions in the categories of Dabbas, Khalas, Fardh, Khunaizi, Bu Maan, Shishi and Zamli, as well as the Al Dhafra and Liwa competitions for elite dates and the Fardh and Khalas Al Ain competitions. There are also seven fruit competitions in the categories of assorted and local lemons, assorted and local mangoes, red and yellow figs, and home fruit basket. Three model farm competitions are also held, in the categories of Western Areas, Eastern Areas and Al Dhafra Cities. There is also a Most Beautiful Date Competition and a Creativity from Palm Trunk Competition. A total of 308 prizes worth Dhs8,735,000 are awarded for these competitions, in addition to theatrical competitions for visitors. The festival's diverse activities include sponsors, supporters and participants taking part, as well as a date market, palm seedlings and agricultural tools, a traditional market and handicraft displays that revive authentic heritage for new generations. There is also a corner dedicated to women's modesty and elegance, as well as a children's area where children can learn about different types of dates and the importance of caring for palm trees through play. The festival programme includes seminars, lectures and educational workshops for farmers on the latest methods of caring for palm trees, producing the highest quality dates, combating agricultural pests and reducing their incidence, identifying fungal diseases that affect palm trees and ways to prevent them, and recycling and conserving water. These events will be held at the festival theatre and the participating organisations' pavilions. The Liwa Date Festival showcases the Emirate of Abu Dhabi's dedication to preserving and safeguarding its heritage, ensuring it is passed down through the generations. The festival celebrates the date season and the palm tree, which is a deeply rooted cultural and social symbol of Emirati heritage.
Muscat Daily
19-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Sweet harvest: Omani farmer's fig venture bears fruit in Mahdha
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Driven by a commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability, an Omani farmer in the border town of Mahdha in Buraimi is transforming arid land into a fertile farm. Ali bin Hamad al Badi has successfully cultivated four fields producing Turkish brown figs, Fardh dates, mangoes and lemons. Supported by Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, his venture is becoming a model of economic potential in the governorate. 'What began as a bold experiment is now bearing real fruit – literally and figuratively,' Badi said. 'We're currently harvesting between 90kg to 100kg of figs every day, and demand in local markets has been overwhelming.' Badi's figs, known for high quality and freshness, are proving popular with consumers across Buraimi. Encouraged by the strong market response, he plans to expand his operations by planting 550 yellow Spanish fig seedlings – a variety prized for quality and demand. Behind this success is consistent support from agricultural authorities. 'The technical support and field visits from the Agriculture and Water Resources Directorate in Buraimi and the Agriculture Department in Mahdha were crucial. Their expertise helped me manage the farm effectively from the ground up,' Badi noted. His venture is about more than just figs – it is about setting an example for others. 'We need to encourage more farmers to establish commercial fields,' he said. 'They're easier to manage, and with the right support, can provide sustainable and profitable returns. It's good for farmers and for Oman's food security.' The ministry's support is part of a broader national strategy to promote food security, diversify crop production and encourage investment in high-value agriculture. Projects like Badi's highlight what is possible when tradition meets innovation and when farmers are empowered to take calculated risks with commercially viable crops. With the next planting phase just around the corner, Badi's journey is far from over. He has planted in Mahdha the seeds of what may become one of the most successful agricultural stories of the governorate and a source of pride for local farmers.
