Post by : Badri Ariffin

The upcoming 22nd Liwa Rutab Festival is scheduled from July 14 to 23 in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region, under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister.

Hosted by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, this year's festival will showcase 23 competitions with a stunning total of 295 prizes exceeding AED8 million, marking it as one of the UAE's premier events dedicated to dates and local agricultural heritage.

Details were shared at a press conference held at Mohammed Khalaf Majlis in Abu Dhabi, attended by Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi, Acting Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, along with officials and enthusiasts involved in rutab traditions.

A Tradition of 22 Years

Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, acknowledging the support that has sustained the Liwa Rutab Festival's impressive legacy of 22 years, making it a hallmark in the UAE's social calendar.

He noted that the festival aligns with the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, symbolizing generosity, progress, and national pride, a vision strengthened under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, focusing on community and heritage preservation.

Al Muhairi further committed to enhancing agricultural festivals, promoting sustainable practices, and ensuring the growth of national agricultural resources while connecting the youth with Emirati cultural heritage.

Introducing the Home Harvest Competition

Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director for Festivals and Events, highlighted new initiatives like the Kharayef Al Bayt (Home Harvest) Competition, designed to deepen family ties to date palm cultivation and nurture Emirati traditions.

Diverse Competitions and Activities

The festival promises a rich array of 23 competitions with prizes worth over AED8 million, including:

• 11 rutab competitions
• Seven fruit categories
• Three model farm showcases from various regions
• Best Rutab Basket Competition
• Palm Trunk Creativity Competition

Beyond competitions, attendees can explore a bustling marketplace featuring rutab and agricultural products, along with heritage markets, craft corners, and educational workshops, ensuring a wholesome family experience.

Upholding Fair Standards for Farmers

Mubarak Al Qusaili, Director of Rutab Competitions, remarked on the festival's role as a critical national platform to promote farming excellence and elevate the quality of Emirati agricultural products, contributing to sustainability and competitiveness.

Clear judging standards have been established for transparency, focusing on product safety, quality, and adherence to best practices across competition categories. Participants are urged to understand competition rules and ensure timely registrations.

Facilitated Online Registration

Registration for competitions is accessible online via the Falak Al Namoos application, allowing users to track their submissions, review regulations, and receive ongoing festival updates.

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