A fruity start to Liwa Ajman Date Festival

Ajman - The Liwa Ajman Date Festival - an extension of the Liwa Date Festival in Abu Dhabi - is about all things palms and dates, considered one of the most important pillars of Emirati heritage

The 3rd Liwa Ajman dates festival was inaugurated on Wednesday by Shaikh Ammar Bin Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman.
The festival's remaining two days are July 28 (from 10am to 10pm) and July 29 (4pm to midnight). It takes place at Emirates Hospitality Center, has free entry, and highlights the finest and best date and citrus fruits grown by local farmers.
The Liwa Ajman Date Festival - an extension of the Liwa Date Festival in Abu Dhabi - is about all things palms and dates, considered one of the most important pillars of authentic Emirati heritage and an integral part of the life in the UAE.
Faisal Al Nuaimi, General Manager of Ajman Tourism Development, said that this year's participants are excited about the addition of selected citrus fruits to the categories. Every evening, the dates and citrus fruits entered for competition will be auctioned off, and the proceeds donated to Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Charity Foundation. The criteria for judging dates include taste, shape, size, weight and colour, and the winning farmers will be awarded cash prizes.
The third edition of the festival has exceeded all expections, Al Nuaimi said, leading to the possibility of making it an annual one, with distinct events aimed at visitors and families. Such events helped increase tourism in the UAE, foster a better understanding of local agricultural processes, and Emirati customs and traditions, he said.
Shaikh Ammar and Ajman government officials also toured the different pavilions and exhibitions and met the participating farmers, and were briefed about the variety of produce on offer and the production and cultivation process, soil examination and fertilisation, irrigation systems etc.
Shaikh Ammar also praised the support of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, for the continued success of the festival.
The festival is held under the directives of His Highness Shaikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council of the Union and Ruler of Ajman.
Other events at the festival include a kids corner where children can watch shows and engage in activities like creating bookmarks, camel decoration, date dessert making, and a recycling workshop. For adults, there are live cooking demos, and traditional souqs with local delicacies, handmade products, clothing and more. Visitors can also enjoy folk dances, competitions, heritage musical shows and a military show.
Saud Al Jasmi, Head of the Festival Organising Committee, said: "It was a very successful opening day and we are expecting more visitors to celebrate the UAE's iconic fruit."
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Ajman