Abu dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the 22nd Liwa Date Festival, organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister. The festival, orchestrated by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, is being held in Liwa City in the Al Dhafra Region and will run until 23 July.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Nahyan explored the festival's extensive array of heritage, agricultural, economic, and cultural events, as well as its daily competitions and programs designed for farmers, producers, families, young people, and children. These activities underscore the date palm's integral role in Emirati society and its historical significance in the UAE's development.
Sheikh Nahyan emphasized the festival as a premier heritage, agricultural, and economic event celebrating the date palm and its products. He recalled the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who championed agriculture and the cultivation of date palms, transforming deserts into productive agricultural landscapes.
Sheikh Nahyan noted that the festival reflects the enduring vision of Sheikh Zayed, highlighting the symbolic value of the date palm as a marker of abundance and resilience. He praised President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's commitment to empowering Emiratis and supporting sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring the UAE's resources and heritage are preserved for future generations.
The festival stands as a testament to national values, encouraging local farmers to enhance production quality and adopt sustainable practices. It offers a platform for exchange among farmers and specialists and promotes local agricultural products to visitors and potential buyers.
He visited various sections of the festival, including the Date Market and Heritage Market, where he observed the craftsmanship of Emirati artisans. These markets play a crucial role in empowering families and preserving traditional crafts. Sheikh Nahyan also engaged with the Children's Village, which fosters a connection to heritage among younger generations through interactive learning experiences.
The festival features 23 competitions with 295 prizes totaling over AED8 million, aimed at motivating farmers to improve crop quality. Competitions like the Most Beautiful Date Harvesting Basket and 'Creativity from the Date Palm Trunk' showcase the artistic potential of date palm derivatives.
Sheikh Nahyan concluded by lauding the collaborative efforts of government and private entities in supporting the festival, enhancing its status as a key heritage, tourism, and economic attraction that boosts the local economy and promotes national agricultural products.