Abu Dhabi: The Al Wathba Food Festival has opened to large crowds and vibrant participation from productive families, culinary enthusiasts, and visitors from across the UAE.
Organized by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the event is held as part of the 4th Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award to promote sustainable food security, encourage local production, and celebrate Emirati food heritage.
Hosted within the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award pavilion at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, the festival features 14 culinary competitions running until November 23rd, with a total prize pool of AED 362,000 ($98,570). Alongside the competitions, visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities, educational workshops, and interactive sessions designed especially for children.
The festival’s opening competition celebrated the traditional Emirati dessert balaleet, with Sidra Ali Al Mansoori taking first place, followed by Moza Humaid Al Shamsi and Aisha Al Ghobshi Al Ketbi in second and third place, respectively. Al Mansoori expressed pride in winning during her first participation, while Al Shamsi commended the festival for its continued support of Emirati women and local talent.
Kinnah Saeed Al Maskari, Member of the Higher Committee of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award and Chairperson of the Al Wathba Food Festival, said the event serves as a key platform for productive families to showcase their culinary skills and contribute to the UAE’s growing local food economy.
Al Maskari added that the festival plays a vital role in preserving and evolving Emirati food identity, inspiring participants to present traditional dishes with modern creativity. The program also includes workshops on healthy nutrition, food safety, and agricultural awareness, as well as contests for schools, families, and people of determination.
Upcoming competitions include:
- Rice and Chicken Stew – November 12
- Salt-Grilled Qabab – November 14
- Macaroni Al Tayebeen – Little Chef – November 15
- Chicken Marqouqa – November 16
- Tahatta Malih – November 18
- Pressed Date Bread and Chicken Machboos – School Challenge – November 21
- Stuffed Date Balls – People of Determination – November 22
- Mahalla Zayed – November 23
The Al Wathba Food Festival reflects ADAFSA’s ongoing commitment to empowering local farmers, supporting small enterprises, and driving innovation in food and agriculture. The initiative also aligns with the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional leader in sustainable agricultural development and community engagement.
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