A Celebration of Heritage, Agriculture and Community Spirit
Abu Dhabi is set to welcome one of its most culturally rich agricultural celebrations as the Al Wathba Date Festival returns for its third edition. Taking place from January 15 to January 24, 2026, the festival will be held in the Al Wathba region as part of the wider Sheikh Zayed Festival, bringing together farmers, artisans, families and visitors in a shared appreciation of the date palm and its enduring importance in Emirati life.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the festival reflects the UAE’s continued commitment to preserving agricultural heritage while encouraging innovation and sustainability in local farming. Over ten days, the event will transform Al Wathba into a vibrant cultural hub celebrating dates not just as a crop, but as a symbol of identity, generosity and resilience.
Honouring the Date Palm’s Deep Cultural Roots
Dates have long been at the heart of life in the UAE, providing nourishment, trade and social connection for generations. The Al Wathba Date Festival builds on this legacy by creating a platform that highlights the cultural, economic and environmental value of date palms. More than a showcase, the festival serves as a living expression of how traditional knowledge continues to shape modern Emirati society.
Hosted in Abu Dhabi, the festival also aligns with national efforts to strengthen food security and support local farmers. It places the spotlight on Emirati-grown dates, encouraging pride in locally cultivated produce and reinforcing the role of agriculture in the nation’s future.
Competitions at the Heart of the Festival
One of the festival’s biggest attractions is its diverse programme of competitions, designed to reward excellence, creativity and craftsmanship. This year’s edition features 14 competitions with a total of 116 prizes valued at more than AED 2 million, making it one of the most rewarding agricultural festivals in the region.
Seven date beauty competitions will focus on specific varieties that are highly prized across the UAE. These include Nukhbat Al Wathba, Dabbas, Khalas, Fardh, Shishi, Bumaan and Zamli. Each category assesses factors such as size, colour, texture and overall quality, celebrating the meticulous care that goes into cultivating premium dates.
In addition, two date packaging competitions will highlight innovation in presentation, encouraging farmers and producers to combine traditional authenticity with modern market appeal.
Culinary, Creative and Visual Challenges
Beyond farming excellence, the festival embraces creativity through three cooking competitions that invite participants to explore the versatility of dates in Emirati and contemporary cuisine. From traditional desserts to inventive savoury dishes, these contests demonstrate how dates continue to inspire culinary innovation.
Art and visual storytelling also take centre stage. A dedicated photography competition encourages participants to capture the beauty of date palms, farming life and festival moments, while a live painting competition brings artists and audiences together in real time, turning heritage into visual expression.
The Dates Auction Experience
A major highlight of the Al Wathba Date Festival is the Dates Auction, where visitors can witness live bidding on some of the UAE’s finest locally grown dates. The auction showcases exceptional produce from Emirati farms, offering a rare opportunity to see premium date varieties valued and traded in a public setting.
More than a commercial activity, the auction celebrates quality, dedication and agricultural skill. It motivates farmers to uphold high standards while preserving cultivation methods that have been passed down through generations.
Folk Shows and Heritage Performances
The festival experience extends well beyond competitions and auctions. Visitors can immerse themselves in traditional performances and folk shows that reflect the UAE’s rich cultural heritage. Music, dance and storytelling create an atmosphere that connects past and present, offering families and tourists an authentic glimpse into Emirati traditions.
Adding to the experience are date sales outlets and a heritage souq, where visitors can purchase locally produced dates and products inspired by Emirati culture. From handcrafted items to culinary delights, the souq reinforces the festival’s role as a community marketplace rooted in tradition.
A Platform for Knowledge Exchange
The Al Wathba Date Festival is also a meeting point for farmers, experts and enthusiasts from the UAE and beyond. The event provides space for sharing knowledge on modern cultivation techniques, date palm care and sustainable agricultural practices.
Workshops and informal exchanges allow participants to learn from one another, blending traditional wisdom with scientific advancements. This focus on education ensures that the festival contributes to the long-term growth and resilience of date farming in the region.
Supporting Farmers and Local Production
At its core, the festival is designed to support date palm farmers and enhance local production. By offering financial rewards, exposure and networking opportunities, it empowers farmers to innovate while remaining rooted in tradition.
The event also plays a role in promoting Emirati dates on a broader scale, positioning them as high-quality products with strong cultural value. This approach helps strengthen local supply chains and encourages younger generations to engage with agriculture as a viable and meaningful pursuit.
A Must-Visit Event in January 2026
Running from Thursday, January 15 to Saturday, January 24, 2026, the Al Wathba Date Festival is open to visitors attending the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba. Whether you are a farming enthusiast, a culture lover or a family looking for an enriching experience, the festival offers something for everyone.
By combining competition, culture, commerce and community, the third Al Wathba Date Festival stands as a powerful reminder of the UAE’s agricultural roots and its vision for a sustainable, culturally rich future.
Event Details
Dates: January 15–24, 2026
Location: Sheikh Zayed Festival, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
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