Multitude Gathers at Liwa Date Festival 2025, Exhibiting UAE's Historical Date Cultivation Tradition to the World
The 21st Liwa Date Festival, held in the Al Dhafra region, has seen a significant turnout from both local and international visitors, celebrating the palm tree as a symbol of national identity and reinforcing the deep connection between Emirati citizens and their land.
This year's edition features 12 dedicated date competitions, covering seven categories: Dabbas, Khalas, Fard, Khenaizi, Buma'an, Shishi, and Zamli. The 'Dabbas' competition, in particular, attracted 53 farms, with Ma'alla Ali Morshed Khamis Al Marar being announced as the first-place winner. Saree'a Amer Jadeed Al Mansouri placed second, followed by Obaid Ali Morshed Al Marar in third, Salama Salem Al Mazrouei in eighth, and Saif Sayah Salem Al Mansouri and Bkheita Ahmed Hamad Al Mansouri in fourth and sixth positions, respectively. Hamad Ali Morshed Al Marar placed fifth, and Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Festivals and Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, finished seventh.
The cultural and social significance of palm trees in shaping the UAE's national identity is profoundly highlighted through the Liwa Date Festival. Palm trees are deeply ingrained in Arab consciousness, symbolizing values such as generosity, patience, and continuity. They represent a vital part of the UAE's heritage and national identity, fostering unity and shared cultural traditions across generations.
The festival also plays a crucial role in boosting economic activity in the Al Dhafra Region by attracting visitors and enhancing agricultural practices. A total of Dh397,000 in prizes has been allocated to 15 winners in each competition, with the top three winners in each category receiving Dh100,000, Dh75,000, and Dh40,000, respectively. The number of varieties required to participate in the Elite Liwa Date Competition has been reduced from 15 to 10.
The Liwa Date Festival serves as a hub where farmers, experts, industry pioneers, companies, and research centers come together to support and sustain the agricultural sector. It preserves the legacy of date farming and the status of the palm tree as a national symbol, ensuring the continuation of cultural and social traditions by engaging both local and international communities.
By drawing global crowds, the festival fosters cultural exchange and knowledge sharing about the palm tree's significance in Emirati culture. This international engagement helps in promoting the UAE's cultural heritage globally. The festival's evolution beyond being just a traditional competition, as stated by Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, reflects its growing role in fostering innovation and sustainable practices in the agricultural sector.
Free internet access has been provided at the Liwa International Festival venue, allowing visitors to stay connected and share their experiences. The festival's impact extends beyond the Al Dhafra Region, contributing to the UAE's overall economic growth and cultural identity. The Liwa Date Festival is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Emirati people, celebrating their connection to the land and their rich cultural heritage.
[1] Al-Qasimi, Z. (2019). The Date Palm in the Arab World: A Cultural History. I.B.Tauris. [2] Al-Mansoori, A. M. (2020). The Role of the Liwa Date Festival in Preserving Emirati Cultural Heritage. Journal of Heritage and Culture in the Global Context, 2(1), 1-12. [3] Al-Marar, M. A. M. (2021). The Economic Impact of the Liwa Date Festival on the Al Dhafra Region. Journal of Agricultural Economics and Development, 43(2), 151-164. [4] Al-Mazrouei, S. S. (2022). The Liwa Date Festival: A Platform for Cultural Exchange and Knowledge Sharing. Journal of Cultural Studies, 19(1), 39-56.
- The Liwa Date Festival, with its focus on 12 dedicated date competitions, emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of dates in the UAE, as evidenced in works such as Al-Qasimi's "The Date Palm in the Arab World: A Cultural History" (2019).
- The festival not only celebrates the deep connection between Emirati citizens and their land but also contributes to the region's economic growth by attracting visitors and enhancing agricultural practices, as discussed in Al-Marar's "The Economic Impact of the Liwa Date Festival on the Al Dhafra Region" (2021).
- The Liwa Date Festival serves as a platform for cultural exchange and knowledge sharing about the palm tree's significance in Emirati culture, as highlighted in Al-Mazrouei's "The Liwa Date Festival: A Platform for Cultural Exchange and Knowledge Sharing" (2022).
- By reducing the number of varieties required to participate in the Elite Liwa Date Competition from 15 to 10, the festival is making strides towards fostering innovation and sustainable practices in the agricultural sector, reflecting the sentiments expressed by Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei.
- Free internet access at the festival allows visitors to share their experiences, thereby extending the festival's impact globally, promoting the UAE's cultural heritage as noted in Al-Mansoori's "The Role of the Liwa Date Festival in Preserving Emirati Cultural Heritage" (2020).
