Summer in the UAE means one thing for many Emirati families: the arrival of fresh rutab (dates) from Liwa. The 22nd edition of the Liwa Date Festival has kicked off in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region, and it wasted no time making an impression, with nearly three tonnes of fresh dates submitted by farmers on the very first day.
A Strong Start To The Liwa Dates Festival 2026
The festival saw a strong turnout as farmers from across the UAE arrived to compete in what has become one of the country’s biggest agricultural and heritage events. Alongside the farmers, the event welcomed large numbers of productive families and visitors, underlining its growing role in supporting local agriculture while celebrating the UAE’s deep-rooted connection with the date palm.
Judging committees got straight to work, receiving entries across several competitions as farmers presented some of their best rutab varieties. Each entry is being assessed on quality, size, colour, ripeness and overall condition, a process that has turned the festival into an important annual platform where farmers showcase their produce and exchange knowledge on modern farming techniques.
What’s At Stake
This year’s festival features 23 competitions and 295 prizes worth more than AED8 million, spanning categories that include fresh dates, fruits and model farms. Beyond the core rutab competitions, visitors can expect date beauty contests, fruit competitions, model farm awards, and creative competitions inspired by the date palm itself. Winners across these categories will be announced as the festival progresses.
Where & When
The festival is being held in Liwa City, roughly a two-hour drive from Abu Dhabi, and runs through July 23, giving visitors just over a week to experience one of the UAE’s largest and most prize-rich heritage events, with free entry throughout.
Also Read: Liwa Rutab Festival To Return To Al Dhafra With 23 Competitions & AED8 Million In Prizes
A Legacy Two Decades In The Making
Since its launch more than two decades ago, the Liwa Date Festival has grown into one of the UAE’s leading heritage events, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority. It plays an important role in preserving agricultural traditions, supporting local farmers, and encouraging sustainable farming practices, all while promoting the date palm as a symbol of Emirati identity and food security.
For residents and visitors alike, it’s a rare chance to step into the heart of the UAE’s agricultural heritage, straight from the dunes of Al Dhafra.
Cover Image Courtesy: AD Media Office/Website