HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi’s Ruler Representative in Al Dhafra region, visited the 20th edition of Liwa Date Festival.
During his visit, he praised the support and attention given by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, to heritage events that enhance the nation’s cultural heritage and promote sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Explores Liwa Date Festival Pavilions and Activities
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed explored the festival’s activities, including date and fruit competitions.
He also visited various pavilions that showcased modern agricultural techniques related to palm cultivation and associated food products.
The festival aims to support the quality of national agricultural products and contribute to environmental sustainability.
His tour included visits to the housing authority, Abu Dhabi Police, civil defense, Al Dhafra hospitals, and other organizations participating in the festival.
He also learned about the efforts of Ghadeer project for traditional Emirati crafts, which aims to preserve these crafts and transfer knowledge to future generations.
Liwa Date Festival celebrates the date palm harvest season and emphasizes national identity values.
It plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable agricultural development, ensuring food security, and boosting economic activity in Al Dhafra region.
Diverse Range of Activities
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed expressed his satisfaction with the diverse heritage, cultural, and agricultural activities at this year’s festival.
He also highlighted the collaboration and innovation demonstrated by government entities and companies.
Liwa Date Festival witnessed wide participation from farmers in the competitions for “Homegrown Fruit Basket,” red figs, and yellow figs.
The organizing committee of the 20th edition of the festival announced the winners during a ceremony attended by visitors and participants.
The festival, organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, continues until July 28 in Liwa City, Al Dhafra region.
Results of the competitions:
- Homegrown Fruit Basket:
- First place: Ali Atiq Mohammed Atshan Al Hamli
- Second place: Shliweih Matar Saeed Hamdan Al Mansoori
- Third place: Saeed Atiq Mohammed Atshan Al Hamli
- Yellow Fig Competition:
- First place: Saeed Atiq Mohammed Atshan Al Hamli
- Second place: Harib Mohammed Ghanem Fajr Al Hamli
- Third place: Saeed Khalfan Khadim Hirmous Al Mansoori
- Fourth place: Nasib Ahmed Hamad Daminah Al Mansoori
- Fifth place: Khalifa Mohammed Nasser Mohammed Al Qubaisi
- Red Fig Competition:
- First place: Harib Mohammed Ghanem Fajr Al Hamli
- Second place: Hadef Mohammed Rashid Mubarak Al Khaili
- Third place: Hilal Khamees Saeed Awadah Al Marikhi
- Fourth place: Shama Jumaa Mughair Jaber Al Khaili
- Fifth place: Masoud Jumaa Mughair Jaber Al Khaili
Before the President of State… a number of new judges take the legal oath, and His Highness confirms: the efficiency of the justice system, equality and the rule of law are an essential pillar of the state’s comprehensive development experience. pic.twitter.com/qg0sGGchc0
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) July 19, 2024
Farmers from various parts of the UAE participated in the “Homegrown Fruit Basket” competition, showcasing locally produced fruit varieties.
Additionally, the fig competition (both yellow and red) received 350 kilograms of figs from 35 participating farmers.
The festival also received entries for the lemon competition in both the “local” and “mixed” categories.
The organizing committee allocated 10 prizes for each category, with a total value of AED 117,000.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Commends All the Effort Made in Liwa Date Festival
His Highness praised the efforts of the organizing committee of Liwa Date Festival in efficiently managing its events and ensuring its success.
This contributed to the significant turnout from participants and visitors.
He also expressed appreciation for the active participation of government, official, private institutions, sponsors, and supporters in preserving the cultural heritage.
