Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 4th edition of the ‘Al Dhaid Dates Festival’ kicks off at the ‘Al Dhaid Expo Centre’ on Wednesday morning.

Crowds of people, senior officials, and dignitaries from across the country flocked to the four-day event which is annually organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).

Up to 126 lucrative prizes, worth about Dh1 million, await the top winners in the six contests of the festival. The top of these stands at Dh16,000 while the least one is Dh500.

The festivity, witnessing 35 exhibitors and 15 local and federal government entities, consists of six competitions for: ‘Best Dates’, ‘Naghal Dates’, ‘Biggest Clump’, ‘Local Lemon’, ‘Best Dates Basket’ – for women only, and ‘Senior Nationals Dates Competition’.

The ‘Al Dhaid Dates Festival’, July 24- 27, is the first event to be hosted by the new ‘Al Dhaid Expos Centre’ which is the latest initiative of Sharjah Chamber to electrify the cultural and economic movement in the Central Region.

H.E Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, inaugurated the much-awaited gala which saw the presence of hundreds of farmers and productive families.

H.E Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadhi, Director General, SCCI, Ibrahim Rashid Al Jarwan, Director of Economic Relations & Marketing, SCCI, Khalil Al Mansouri, Director of Branches, SCCI, Mohammed Misbah Al Tunaiji, Director of Sharjah Chamber’s Branch in Al Dhaid and General Coordinator of the Festival, and Mohammed Al Darmaki, Director of Sharjah Chamber’s Branch in Khor Fakkan were also present.

Preserving Sustainable Environment

H.E Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said sustainability in all sectors, particularly in agriculture, is the main goal of the UAE Vision 2021.

“The ministry, in collaboration with all public and private sectors entities, spares no effort to boost the sustainability of this sector and attain food diversity to ensure a better future for current and future generations.”

Date palm cultivation is one of the major agricultural fields taken care of by the prudent leadership because of its cultural and heritage connections with the UAE society, he underlined.

“The UAE leaders have ordered all necessary support to this vital sector to help promote Emirati dates all over the European, American and Asian markets.”

“Our national companies are currently exporting their date products to 48 countries around the world.”

He added that the dates festivals being held nationwide reflect the tireless effort being exerted to develop a sustainable agricultural sector that ensures the country food security and supports the economic development.

“The Sharjah Chamber’s relentless efforts to boost dates and the agricultural sector in the emirate and entire country speaks volume.”

Farmers and all concerned need to give much attention to palm trees and dates, and other local summer plants, he urged. “The Al Dhaid Dates Festival is a perfect platform for exchanging information and expertise and adopt the latest sustainable practices on the same.”

Promoting local plants

H.E Mohamed Ahmed Amin, Director General of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said they are so keen to implement the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

“The seasonal festival is aimed to encourage farmers and all concerned to better preserve palm trees and dates which are very part and parcel of the culture and heritage of the country.”

He added that the Chamber always enhances cooperation with all strategic partners in the emirate and nationwide to develop the festival, better preserve and promote it, and bolster its economic and social proceeds.

“The festival has become a leading hub for investors, entrepreneurs, farmers and all concerned with such a major event being held in the Central Region of the emirate of Sharjah.”

Added Value

Mohammed Misbah Al Tunaiji, Director of Sharjah Chamber’s Branch in Al Dhaid and General Coordinator of the Festival, said they always come up with a variety of initiatives that are beneficial and valuable for the society.

“Al Dhaid Dates Festival is a major one of these events which is meant to boost and promote the image of the emirate locally and worldwide, and preserve the cultural and heritage identity of the country.”

High Quality Produce

Rashid Muhair Al Kitib, Head of Assessment Committee at the Festival, said the fourth edition of the festival is packed with a variety of contests and activities that turn it into one of the key economic, cultural and heritage get-together in the emirate of Sharjah.

“The Festival helps enlighten farmers and all concerned about the latest, safest and most sustainable agricultural technologies used in preserving and growing high quality dates, and also help farmers better promote their best dates.”

Festival Partners

The Al Dhaid Dates Festival is held this year in collaboration with municipality councils in the Central region, Al Ain Municipality, Sharjah Expo Center, Al Dhaid Municipality, Al Batha Municipality, Maliha Municipality, Madam Municipality, Al Dhaid Sports and Cultural Club. The festival is also being held in partnership with Sharjah Radio and Television Authority, Al Wusta Channel from Al Dhaid, First Radio, Bainouna Channel, Al Wusta News Network, and Sharjah Communication Center.