Sharjah: The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) is ready to organize the 3rd annual Mango Festival 2024 at Expo Khor Fakkan from June 28 to 30, 2024.
This event, held in collaboration with the Municipal Council of Khorfakkan, offers agricultural companies, farmers, and productive families to gather and display their distinct fruit harvests, including various types of mangoes and citrus fruits.
Not only does it aim to support and encourage ongoing agricultural production, an important pillar of economic and food security, but it also seeks to boost commercial and tourism activities in the region.
Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), stressed that the Mango Festival is a significant addition to a series of heritage events and festivals focused on the agricultural sector.
“Organized by the Sharjah Chamber in the eastern and central regions, the festival seeks to provide comprehensive support to farmers and enhance the quality of local agricultural products,” Al Awadi said, adding that the Sharjah Chamber is committed to ensuring the festival’s success, enabling it to play a vital role in preserving the UAE’s cultural heritage and encouraging farmers to care for mango trees.
The festival will be hosting competitions with valuable prizes. The competitions are divided into three main categories: A mango mazayna (beauty contest), another contest for the most beautiful mango basket open exclusively to women, and the best artwork contest for children.
The Mango Festival organizing team has established particular guidelines and prerequisites for taking part in the mango mazayna. Mangoes from the 2024 growing season that are produced locally and come from the participant’s own farm or backyard garden are required. Participants must provide ownership documentation for the house or agricultural land at the time of registration.
Each competitor may only enter one type of mango in the competition. The judges will examine and assess the winning farms and residences in great detail. Mangoes must be submitted in carton boxes, be of suitable size, and be free of apparent faults and damage. Mangoes registered in each competition category must also weigh a minimum of 4 kg.
The rules and requirements for the women-only “Most Beautiful Basket” competition include that the mangoes must be grown locally in 2024. Only one basket may be used for participation by women who are 18 years of age or older. The contestant is required to display the mangoes in a handcrafted basket that weighs no more than four pounds.
Participants in the “Most Beautiful Artwork for Children” competition must be between the ages of eight and twelve. A copy of the Emirates ID must be submitted in order to participate in this tournament. The piece of art can be a painting, a model, or any other kind of creative work as long as it has to do with mangos. Each youngster may enter with a single piece of art.
Open every day from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., the festival will include a range of business and economic events and activities. Highlights include competitions, a variety of cultural programs, and performances by folk heritage organizations. A number of educational sessions that offer in-depth insights into agricultural crop care and contemporary growing practices will also be available as part of the festival.