Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, the fourth edition of the Al Dhafra Dates Festival and Auction, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, is set to take place from 17 to 26 October 2025 in Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi.
The festival aims to reinforce its status as a premier international heritage event by promoting date cultivation, showcasing premium varieties, supporting national food security objectives, encouraging farmers to enhance quality standards, and facilitating knowledge exchange in palm farming.
This year’s edition will feature 21 competitions with 173 prizes valued at over AED 5.5 million, covering date beauty contests, honey competitions, cooking, date packaging, painting, and photography.
At the heart of the festival is the daily Date Auction, a highlight for date enthusiasts, where visitors can bid on premium Emirati dates of various types and grades displayed on dedicated tables.
In addition to the competitions and auction, the festival will offer an array of cultural and educational activities, including traditional folk performances, photography and art exhibitions, heritage crafts, awareness lectures, and creative workshops for all age groups. Visitors can also explore retail outlets offering dates and related products, farming equipment, and a dedicated “Honey Village.”
Government and private sector participants will host pavilions featuring interactive programs, awareness initiatives for farmers and visitors, and displays of their latest agricultural services and innovations.
This year, the Kingdom of Morocco will be the Guest of Honor, highlighting cultural and agricultural exchange and strengthening cooperation between the two nations, particularly in palm cultivation and date production, as well as in other strategic sectors.
(Inputs from WAM)
