Fourth International Date Palm Festival Moves To Abu Dhabi

The variety of activities offered in the festival’s new round will leave visitors spoilt for choices

Setting a major milestone in its cultural history, Abu Dhabi will host an event fully dedicated to celebrate the heritage of the date palm. Formally hosted in Al Ain, the fourth edition of International Date Palm Festival will now take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from November 22 until 27, 2010.

To be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, the festival is organised by Turret Media in collaboration with UAE University, Khalifa International Date Palm Award and Date Palm Friends Society.

The festival is held in association with the key strategic partner Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and is also supported by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.

“The proliferation of various date products evidences that the traditional fruit is regarded with great favour due to its unique taste and cultural value,” said Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication, Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.

“The production further strengthens the date fruit trade into a full-scale sector. The festival celebrates this growth to foster the enlightenment of our indigenous food traditions to a global public and reinforce the factors behind its popularity.”

In an all new format, fully oriented towards consumers, the 6-days festival demonstrates a wide-range of activities and features involving the nation’s favourite super-fruit.

Manufacturers and processors alike will join forces to stage a remarkable display of the date varieties. The heritage display will exhibit national handicrafts and other by-products made from date palm leaves. One can also expect different variations of tribal dance and poetry; and the date cuisine offering recipe ideas, healthy tips and knowledge of the cultural heritage of the date palm. Moreover, scientific journals, specialized film shows, and an expressive art and photography exhibition will further complement the cultural extravaganza.

“UAE has entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the country with the largest number of date palm trees amounted to 42 million,” said Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Head of the Organizing Committee, Director and Chief Technical Advisor of Date Palm Research Unit Dept. UAE University, and Secretary General of Khalifa International Date Palm Award.

“The date palm tree will always reflect the pride of the UAE and its strong relationship with the local environment. The new events and activities characterize this edition. It is of particular importance to continue talks between successive generations to instil ‘cultural value’ in them.”

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may God rest his soul in peace) attached a great importance to agricultural development in general, and to the date palm in particular for more than half a century. Indeed, the date palm tree is one of the pillars of the sustainable development process strongly supported by President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (May God Protect Him) and also encouraged by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

The festival will also identify rare varieties of the dates, the present situation of date cultivation, modern farming methods and local and international marketing.

Al Foah Company, well-known for producing the best quality of dates on both local and international levels, will be exhibiting new varieties of innovative date based products for the first time. To achieve the optimal utilization of this wealth, Al Foah Company has undertaken a paramount role in developing the date palm, sector so that it may become a successful economic beam in the UAE.

The Arar Establishment – Abdullah Arar Farms from Jordan will exhibit Medjool and Berhi dates at the International Date Palm Festival. The company’s exporters list include countries such as United Kingdom, France, Austria, Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Maldives Islands.

“This year we produced 60 tons of Medjool dates, which are projected to reach 160 tons in 2015. Berhi dates reached 120 tons of yields this year,” said Abdullah Arar, General Manager, Arar Establishment. “The Mejdool Dates we have are tasty and rich in flavour due to the distinct geographic location, climatic conditions, abundance of oxygen, together with good agricultural practices.”

Qaboos Khalid, director of the festival, Turret Media said, “The event points out the Government of Abu Dhabi’s dedication to preserve the culture by developing such initiatives that aim to support the heritage and traditions of the land.”

“With delicious dates, exceptional exhibits, thrilling and exciting edutainment, the festival promises to be filled with fabulous family fun for everyone,” he concluded.
 

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