The seeds have been sown for the annual Liwa Date Festival as organisers announced the dates for this year’s instalment.
The 10th edition of the festival, which will be held during Ramadan for the second year in a row, will be staged in Liwa, Al Gharbia from 12th to 18th July.
The festival seeks to celebrate local customs and traditions while preserving the heritage of the UAE, particularly the palm tree.
“We do not want this tree to remain only a part of a past that we celebrate,” said Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, advisor for culture and heritage, Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and chairman of the Cultural Programs and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi.
“Until today, we still listen to tales about the different rituals that have been practised in preparation for Al Ratab season. There are tales and stories that are only known by the skilled and experienced fathers who, despite old age, continue to practise these traditions and work toward their transmission to future generations.”
The fruity festival features a plethora of heritage and art activities, from the Al Rabat Beauty Competition, lemon and mango competitions and a traditional market. Outside of the festival, local organisations support Emirati farmers by donating date palm seedlings and continue to back research efforts in date palm cultivation.
“This blessed tree has enjoyed the interest and great support of our wise leadership. Concerned parties have incessantly sought to develop better methods of cultivation and maintenance. Thanks to these efforts, the UAE has always occupied an advanced international position in the field of date palm production and export,” added Al Mazrouei.
