Al Dhaid Date Festival 2024 Kicks Off in Sharjah
The eighth edition of the Al Dhaid Date Festival began today at Expo Al Dhaid in Sharjah, UAE, and will run until July 28. Organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the festival features participation from palm owners, farmers, and families involved in the date industry from across the UAE.
Inauguration Ceremony
The inauguration was attended by key figures including Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI; Salem Ali Salem Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Sharjah Municipal Council; Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA); and Waleed Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, Second Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber. They toured the festival stands, exploring various types of dates and fruits, and learning about palm tree cultivation.
Competitions and Activities
The festival features several competitions with valuable prizes for 130 winners. Main competitions include ‘The Best Lemons’, ‘Fig Contest’, ‘The Most Beautiful Home-grown Dates’ (for women), and a new children’s competition called ‘Ratb Al Kharaif Beauty’.
Importance of the Festival
Abdallah Sultan Al Owais emphasized the festival’s role in promoting sustainable agricultural development and preserving the palm tree, a key aspect of the UAE’s heritage. The festival aims to enhance heritage sustainability, raise awareness about modern agricultural practices, and strengthen the UAE’s food security.
Commitment to Agriculture
Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi highlighted the Sharjah Chamber’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector, particularly palm cultivation. The festival provides a platform for farmers to exchange knowledge and showcase the superior quality of the region’s palm varieties.
Growing Participation
Mohammad Musabah Al Tunaiji noted the increasing participation in the festival each year. The festival reinforces Al Dhaid’s status as a primary hub for palm cultivation, highlighting the diversity and high quality of Emirati date varieties.
The Al Dhaid Date Festival 2024 is open to visitors daily from 07:00 to 22:00, offering a range of activities that celebrate the UAE’s heritage in palm cultivation.
Doubts Revealed
Al Dhaid Date Festival -: This is a special event where people celebrate and showcase dates, which are a type of fruit. It happens in a place called Al Dhaid in Sharjah, UAE.
Sharjah -: Sharjah is one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It’s a place like a state in India.
UAE -: UAE stands for the United Arab Emirates, a country in the Middle East made up of seven smaller regions called emirates.
Expo Al Dhaid -: This is a big event space or venue in Al Dhaid where the festival is being held.
Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry -: This is an organization in Sharjah that helps businesses and industries grow and succeed.
sustainable agricultural development -: This means farming in a way that is good for the environment and can continue for a long time without causing harm.
heritage -: Heritage refers to the traditions, culture, and history that are passed down from previous generations.
The Best Lemons -: This is a competition at the festival to find the best lemons, which are a type of sour fruit.
Fig Contest -: This is a competition to find the best figs, which are another type of fruit.
Ratb Al Kharaif Beauty -: This is a special contest for children to find the most beautiful dates, which are called ‘Ratb Al Kharaif’ in Arabic.
