Latest news with #LiwaDateFestival2025
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Science
- Al Etihad
Liwa Date Festival 2025: Preserving the date palm through heritage and technological innovation
25 July 2025 00:51 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Anchored in heritage and essential to survival, the date palm sits at the intersection of the UAE's identity and its vision for food this year's Liwa Date Festival 2025, the Date Palm Development Research Unit (DPDRU), part of the Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (KCGEB), reaffirmed its vital role in safeguarding this national treasure through innovation. Speaking to Aletihad , Maryam Al Menhali, Laboratory Specialist at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory in Al Ain, outlined the cultural, environmental, and scientific weight of the centre's work. 'The participation of the Date Palm Development Research Unit, part of the Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in the Liwa Date Festival clearly reflects the centre's mission to preserve the cultural and strategic value of the palm tree by linking heritage with innovation,' she said.'Palm trees have not only been an agricultural crop; they have also been a pillar of Emirati identity and have played a pivotal role in food and environmental stability for centuries.'Al Menhali believes that the date festival is not merely a symbolic event, it is an active platform for community outreach and knowledge exchange.'We affirm our commitment to developing biological propagation techniques and improving local varieties through advanced scientific research, including safe genetic modification, genome analysis and micropropagation,' she added.'This aligns with the UAE's vision of achieving sustainable food security and enhancing agricultural sovereignty through advanced biological solutions, without compromising the cultural heritage represented by the palm tree.'The centre uses a combination of biotechnologies to enhance date palm productivity and resilience, with a focus on disease resistance and climate adaptation.'We rely on six key technologies,' Al Menhali include tissue culture for disease-free propagation, genome sequencing to identify stress-resilient genes, CRISPR gene editing, transcriptomics and proteomics for molecular understanding, microbiome engineering for soil-plant health, and high-throughput phenotyping to evaluate performance across environmental comprehensive approach ensures that while the trees' cultural significance is honoured, they are also equipped to face the challenges of changing climate and food security Menhali also outlined how KCGEB integrates artificial intelligence, data analytics and precision agriculture to improve cultivation.'We use machine learning to detect early signs of disease from drone and satellite imagery, allowing us to intervene before visible symptoms appear. Smart IoT sensors track soil health, while predictive algorithms optimise irrigation schedules. Farmers also receive real-time advice via smart applications linked to our cloud systems,' she technologies enable proactive decision-making, helping farmers reduce water use, prevent crop loss, and boost palm health; marking a shift from traditional to data-driven efforts extend beyond productivity. Al Menhali highlighted the centre's national seed bank and genetic mapping initiatives.'We are sequencing the entire genomes of local and wild date palm varieties using advanced genomics. These maps inform our breeding programmes and help reduce genetic bottlenecks. We also store seeds in tightly controlled environments to preserve biodiversity,' she centre conducts field surveys to locate and document rare Emirati date varieties, and preserves them both genetically and culturally.'This is not just science, it is a national investment in our agricultural and environmental future,' Al Menhali centre is leading efforts to promote water-saving and environmentally-friendly farming.'We develop varieties that are drought- and salinity-tolerant, use smart irrigation systems to reduce water waste, and recycle treated water safely,' Al Menhali noted.'We also replace chemical fertilisers with biofertilisers and promote organic and conservation agriculture.'These include integrated agricultural systems that combine farming with solar power and waste recycling, establishing model farms as examples for national dissemination.'Our goal is to shift agriculture in the UAE from a consumer model to a sustainable, regenerative one.'Through its initiatives, the centre places strong emphasis on education and knowledge sharing, aiming to inspire the next generation of Emirati agricultural innovators.'We run workshops and create apps that deliver best practices to farmers while engaging youth in environmental agriculture. Cultural heritage must evolve, and part of that evolution is empowering people with knowledge.' In summary, Al Menhali said the mission is clear: protect the past, innovate for the future, and cultivate a sustainable legacy for generations to come.
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.
Al Etihad
15-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Tadweer Group drives eco-awareness, plastic-free campaign at Liwa Date Festival
15 July 2025 16:44 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Tadweer Group, Abu Dhabi's waste management authority, is bringing its eco-awareness campaign and plastic-free drive to the Liwa Date Festival. Through a series of workshops, the group seeks to engage the community in conversations about sustainable year's Liwa Date Festival, which kicked off on Monday and runs until July 27 in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region, has introduced new environmental initiatives and competitions - including a creative campaign that encourages transforming discarded palm tree parts into festival features 24 heritage and agricultural competitions, divided into categories such as dates, fruits and model farms, with prizes exceeding Dh8.7 million.'Tadweer Group's key objective at Liwa Date Festival 2025 is to promote and increase environmental awareness and responsible waste management among visitors of all ages,' said Dr. Reem Al Kindi, Head of Public Awareness at Tadweer Group, in an interview with opportunity to spark discussions about environmental practices comes at a perfect time, with this month recognised globally as Plastic-Free July.'Since July is Plastic-Free Month, Tadweer Group will be focusing on the importance of reducing, reusing, recycling plastics through several workshops [and educational lectures],' Dr. Al Kindi said. Other Green InitiativesBeyond raising awareness, the group also aims to equip the community with practical tools for responsible waste management. Liwa Datę Festival serves as a launchpad for Tadweer's new campaign called 'Our Sustainable Farms'.Set to be launched in August, the initiative will promote proper waste management and sustainable farming across rural communities in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain Region, Al Dhafra Region, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.'As part of the initiative, farmers will be encouraged to share their own best practices, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and collective impact,' Dr. Al Kindi said. In addition, Tadweer is rolling out its School Sustainability Champions Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Education 'to help develop the next generation of sustainability leaders', Dr. Al Kindi said. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How the Liwa Date Festival keeps Emirati heritage alive
Liwa Oasis: Celebrating Emirati heritage in the heart of the desert/Image: Wikipedia TL;DR: Liwa Date Festival 2025 takes place between July 14–27 in Al Dhafra , highlighting Emirati agricultural heritage and food security. It is not just a celebration, it is an emblem of national heritage, economic sustainability, and cultural pride. AED 8 million+ (INR 18,66,28,080+) in awards are distributed through contests in date production, mango and lemon cultivation, and model farms. The event enables farmers, develops traditional crafts, and supports the UAE 's larger objectives under the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision. Entering its 21st year, the festival combines tradition with innovation bridging communities around one of the region's oldest irrigated fruits. Oasis to Opportunity: Why Dates Are Important to Emirati Life Before skyscrapers and shopping centres came to dominate the UAE horizon, the simple date palm was what supported life. In Liwa, a crescent-shaped oasis along the periphery of the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), date cultivation supported generations of Emiratis for sustenance, shade, materials for construction, and trade. The oasis was so integral to existence that many of the current ruling families such as the Al Nahyan dynasty claim descent from its groves. The Liwa Date Festival was established in 2004 to preserve and promote this deeply rooted agricultural heritage. Over the past two decades, it has transformed from a local celebration into a national cultural institution, organised annually under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region. What's Happening at the 2025 Festival? Running from 14th to 27th July this year, the event is hosted at the Liwa City exhibition grounds and includes: 24 competition sections covering date varieties such as Dabbas, Khalas, Shishi, Fardh, and Khenaizi Increased cash awards of more than AED 8 million, encouraging quality and innovation in cultivation Model farm competitions, whereby growers showcase sustainability techniques and improved irrigation Fruit competitions for mangoes and lemons, increasing the agricultural scope Traditional Emirati souks and crafts, including date-based products, weaving, falconry, and pottery A cultural village, created with the aim of educating children and visitors about Bedouin living Live auctions, in which top-quality date bunches can sell for thousands of dirhams It is free, family-oriented and receives more than 100,000 people every year, including farmers, traders, tourists, and dignitaries. Beyond Celebration: Why the Festival is Significant in 2025 1. National Identity & Cultural Continuity Dates aren't merely a food item; they are ritual. From Ramadan festivals to weddings, the fruit is at the center of Emirati traditions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo The festival rekindles those bonds and transmits them to younger generations via workshops, storytelling sessions, and craft showcases. 2. Agricultural Sustainability The UAE is short of arable land and suffers from high temperatures, but Al Dhafra farmers have come up with adaptable, water-saving agricultural techniques some of which have been showcased in the festival's model farm displays. It also aligns with the National Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to decrease import reliance. 3. Economic Empowerment The festival allows rural farmers to sell premium dates directly, usually to bulk purchasers from the Gulf, Europe, and Southeast Asia. With tourism increasing in Al Dhafra, the festival is also a principal source of revenue for SMEs, food outlets, and transport providers. Historically, Liwa was not just a date-farming centre, it was the entrance to Abu Dhabi. In the 19th and 18th centuries, caravans rested here before venturing into the desert or to the coast. Its strategic position made it crucial for trade, particularly in dates, which were in turn bartered for rice, cloth, and tools. When oil was discovered, numerous Liwa tribes had moved to cities but government attempts to maintain the oasis legacy through this festival have prompted numerous people to go back and re-invest in agriculture. What the Festival Reveals About the UAE's Future The Liwa Date Festival is a perfect example of how contemporary countries can retain heritage while looking into the future. It's a peaceful but potent instrument of diplomacy, internal identity formation, and food security. It demonstrates that even in a high-technology economy, ancient customs are still a foundation. FAQs Q. What are the main features of the Liwa Date Festival 2025? Competition in dates, lemons, and mangoes; model farms; cultural village; artisan souk; auctions; and family activities. Q. Are dates available for purchase by tourists at the festival? Yes, indeed. On-site sales by many retailers, plus auctions offer rare varieties sought after throughout the region. Q. How does the festival promote sustainability? By encouraging organic farming, water-saving irrigation, and climate-smart agriculture education. Q. Are there other festivals such as this one in the UAE? Yes. Al Dhafra Festival (camel heritage), Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, and Al Ain Traditional Market celebrate other dimensions of UAE identity.
