Al Ain: His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, has visited the inaugural Al Ain Dates Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Al Ain Dates Festival, organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, takes place at Al Hili Oasis from 3 to 8 January 2025.
During his visit, Sheikh Hazza toured key historical landmarks, including Al Hili Tower and Bin Raeh Tower, where he was announced on their role in safeguarding local farms and sustaining the Aflaj irrigation system. His Highness complimented efforts to hold these culturally significant sites and emphasized their significance in maintaining the UAE’s heritage.
Sheikh Hazza also researched Al Hili Oasis, underscoring its assistance to traditional agriculture and its vital role in the UAE’s rich cultural history. His tour included the Photo Archive Exhibition, showcasing the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s visionary efforts to promote the agricultural sector, particularly in cultivating palm trees.
Al Ain Dates Festival provided an opportunity for Sheikh Hazza to notice traditional Emirati crafts made from palm materials, such as ‘surood’ mats, ‘saffa’ baskets, and the ‘habool’ belt used for climbing palm trees. His Highness also visited the Sararid Heritage Passage, a unique space blending Emirati heritage with artisanal craftsmanship, echoing the nation’s cultural identity.
Concluding his visit, Sheikh Hazza attended the traditional dates mazayna and auction competitions, where he was reported on the processes promoting excellence in date production.
His Highness expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his tireless support of heritage initiatives to preserve the nation’s cultural identity. He underscored the festival’s role as a platform to celebrate the palm tree’s historical importance, empower farmers, and promote sustainable agricultural practices that support food security in the UAE.
Sheikh Hazza praised the efforts of the festival’s organizing committee and the collaboration between government and private entities, describing the event as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to heritage preservation and agricultural innovation.
Accompanying Sheikh Hazza during the visit were His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority; and Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Acting Executive Director of Festivals and Events at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority.
The Al Ain Dates Festival continues to highlight the importance of palm trees as a timeless emblem of Emirati generosity and cultural identity while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.