The Al Dhaid Date Festival is back for its ninth year, and it’s drawing serious attention. Running from July 23 to 27 at Expo Al Dhaid, the event has become more than just a celebration of dates; it’s a full-blown gathering of the UAE’s top farmers, date producers, and local entrepreneurs. From big agricultural companies to small homegrown businesses, everyone’s showing up to champion one of the UAE’s oldest and proudest traditions. And they’re not alone. Government leaders and private sector representatives have turned out in full force to show their support.
Al Dhaid To Dubai: Date Season Kicks Off With Festivals Full Of Flavour, Culture And Local Talent
بمشاركة واسعة من المزارعين من مختلف إمارات الدولة
غرفة الشارقة تفتتح فعاليات الدورة التاسعة من مهرجان الذيد للرطب 2025 في مركز اكسبو الذيد بحضور سعادة عبدالله سلطان العويس رئيس الغرفة وعدد من المسؤولين في الجهات الحكومية الاتحادية والمحلية pic.twitter.com/HQi1545A1D— Sharjah Chamber (@Sharjah_Chamber) July 24, 2025
The festival started off easy and warm. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais and Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi were right near the entrance.
Once the ribbon came down, they got stuck straight away. No stiff handshakes or rushed hellos, just genuine conversations with farmers, some hearty laughs, and plenty of admiration for the fruit displays that had clearly been arranged with care.
As the morning carried on, the chatter turned thoughtful. People spoke about how farming’s shifting, how the old ways aren’t being tossed aside, but rather teaming up with modern tools to keep things moving forward.
Culture Took Centre Stage, Alongside Some Serious Competition
It wasn’t all speeches and suits. Visitors enjoyed live heritage shows, energetic competitions, and cultural performances that brought palm farming’s legacy to life. Early winners from the date contests were recognised on stage, and local government departments received a nod for backing the event.
Later that evening, agricultural experts led a seminar breaking down both the science and soul of palm cultivation. They shared fresh methods to boost productivity while keeping old-school farming traditions alive.
Abdallah Al Owais didn’t hold back his praise. He called the festival a space where farmers don’t just grow dates — they grow their confidence, upgrade their skills and build real connections. Mohammed Al Nuaimi nodded in agreement, pointing out how vital events like this are to the UAE’s food future.
New Contests, Fresh Faces And A Big Push For Community
This year’s competitions are bigger than ever. Farmers are going head-to-head with varieties like Khneizi, Khalas and Shishi. Two new elite categories were added just for growers from the Northern Emirates. This year’s festival keeps the spotlight wide. Alongside date contests, there are dedicated categories for women, children, red fig growers and even lemon farmers. Each entry must meet strict rules: no defects, grown on home soil and freshly harvested in 2025. These rules are part of a new initiative called “Busharat Al-Qeith” that’s keeping standards high and farmers accountable.
But there’s more than trophies up for grabs. Home-based creators are using dates in fresh ways, from edible goodies to traditional crafts.
Also Read: Liwa Date Festival, Abu Dhabi: Dates, Entry Free, & Other Details Inside
Dubai’s Date Celebration Follows Close Behind
As Sharjah wraps up its festivities, Dubai is stepping in. From July 25 to August 1, the Dubai Dates Festival will take over Qalaat Al Remaal on Dubai-Al Ain RoadMeanwhile, Dubai is gearing up for its own date celebration. The Dubai Dates Festival, hosted by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, will shine a light on the palm tree as more than just fruit, it’s a symbol of UAE identity.
Visitors can taste different date varieties, see how they’re harvested the traditional way, and join in on hands-on, family-friendly heritage experiences. And with two festivals running strong, one thing’s for sure: date season in the UAE is in full swing.
Cover Image Courtesy: Sharjah Chamber/X
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