Latest news with #AbuDhabiHeritageAuthority
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Liwa Date Festival 2025: Innovator turns date pits into high-performance charcoal
25 July 2025 00:39 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (LIWA CITY)An innovator in the UAE has found a novel way to recycle date pits: She is turning them into charcoal. At the ongoing Liwa Date Festival, Huda Saif Kenish Alhameli has caught the attention of experts and visitors with her high-quality, all-natural charcoal. 'The idea came up in response to a competition announced by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority for the Liwa Date Festival 2025,' Alhameli told Aletihad . 'The public response has been incredibly encouraging and I'm excited to continue developing it further,' she charcoal stands out for its eco-friendly composition and high performance. Since it's made exclusively from natural date pits, it contains no chemicals or allergens. It ignites quickly, burns for an extended period and offers a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to traditional product has been tested and certified by METS Laboratories, ensuring that it's safe and ready for commercial use, she sees a bright future for this project, 'especially with the support of our wise leadership and institutions dedicated to sustainability'.The initiative, she added, is not only about innovation but preserving the palm tree as a cultural symbol. 'The palm tree is part of our identity and recycling its byproducts rather than discarding them contributes to sustainability and environmental stewardship,' Alhameli the nation observes the Year of Community, she emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in preserving the date palm and supporting initiatives that uphold the UAE's environmental and cultural values. Running until July 27 in Al Dhafra Region, the Liwa Date Festival continues to grow as a hub for culture, innovation and community engagement, showcasing how tradition and creativity can work hand in hand for a sustainable future.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
ADJD showcases products from correctional and rehabilitation centers at Liwa Date Festival
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department is taking part in the 21st edition of the Liwa Date Festival 2025, held in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region, from July 14 to 27. Through a dedicated pavilion, the Department is presenting a variety of products crafted by inmates at correctional and rehabilitation centers — ranging from fresh agricultural produce, particularly dates, to artisanal crafts, artworks, handmade items, and traditional heritage products. The Department's participation in the festival underscores its commitment to engaging with cultural and community events in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. These directives emphasize the importance of active participation in national events and the preservation of the country's rich heritage. Throughout the festival, which is organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Department's pavilion will showcase the talents and creativity of inmates through a display of handcrafted products. These exhibits highlight the Department's rehabilitation efforts, aimed at equipping inmates with practical skills that support their reintegration into society as productive and law-abiding citizens upon the completion of their sentences. Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department is using this platform to shed light on the initiatives dedicated to preserving traditional crafts and industries. The focus is on enhancing and evolving production methods within correctional facilities in a manner that aligns with the cultural identity of the UAE.
Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
US ambassador visits Liwa Date Festival
Martina Strong, Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Arab Emirates, praised the 21st Liwa Date Festival, currently taking place in Al Dhafra Region. During her visit to the festival, Ambassador Strong expressed her deep admiration for the distinguished event, which offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore dates and the diverse products derived from the palm tree. She noted that the experience provided her with valuable insight into traditional crafts and local cuisine. Strong also commended the rich educational content presented by the organisers and their tremendous efforts in hosting such diverse heritage festivals. These events, she emphasised, offer an authentic window into the UAE's vibrant cultural heritage, blending the past with the present. As part of her tour, the US Ambassador viewed several pavilions in the date and fruit beauty competitions. The 2025 Liwa Date 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, has welcomed 50,225 visitors during its first five days. The 21st edition of the festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, continues until 27th July in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region. The Liwa Date Festival is one of the UAE's most significant platforms celebrating palm heritage and traditional agriculture. It is an annual event eagerly awaited by farmers and the wider community due to its vital support for the agricultural sector and food security. The festival features 24 competitions with a total of 308 prizes valued at Dhs8.735 million, in addition to stage competitions designed for visitors. The event reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to preserving and transmitting heritage across generations while celebrating the date harvest season and the palm tree, a deeply rooted cultural and social symbol in Emirati heritage. The festival also attracts visitors and tourists from across the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council, offering a traditional and interactive atmosphere that supports farmers and provides engaging experiences for families and attendees. WAM
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Liwa Dates Festival attracts over 50,000 visitors in five days
The 2025 Liwa 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, welcomed 50,225 visitors during its first five days. The 21st edition of the festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, continues until July 27 in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region. The Liwa Dates Festival is one of the UAE's most significant platforms celebrating palm heritage and traditional agriculture. It is an annual event eagerly awaited by farmers and the wider community due to its vital support for the agricultural sector and food security. The festival features 24 competitions with a total of 308 prizes valued at Dhs8.735 million, in addition to stage competitions designed for visitors. The event reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to preserving and transmitting heritage across generations while celebrating the date harvest season and the palm tree, a deeply rooted cultural and social symbol in Emirati heritage. The festival also attracts visitors and tourists from across the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council, offering a traditional and interactive atmosphere that supports farmers and provides engaging experiences for families and attendees. WAM
Gulf Today
6 days ago
- General
- Gulf Today
Liwa Date Festival attracts more than 50,000 visitors
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the Liwa Date Festival 2025 attracted approximately 50,225 visitors over the course of five days. Now in its 21st year, the festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority and will continue until 27 July in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region. The Liwa Date Festival is one of the most important events celebrating the heritage of palm trees and traditional farming in the UAE. This annual event is eagerly anticipated by farmers and the local community, as it provides significant support for the agricultural sector and food security. The festival features a variety of competitions, including 12 date competitions in the categories of Dabbas, Khalas, Fardh, Khunaizi, Bu Maan, Shishi and Zamli, as well as the Al Dhafra and Liwa competitions for elite dates and the Fardh and Khalas Al Ain competitions. There are also seven fruit competitions in the categories of assorted and local lemons, assorted and local mangoes, red and yellow figs, and home fruit basket. Three model farm competitions are also held, in the categories of Western Areas, Eastern Areas and Al Dhafra Cities. There is also a Most Beautiful Date Competition and a Creativity from Palm Trunk Competition. A total of 308 prizes worth Dhs8,735,000 are awarded for these competitions, in addition to theatrical competitions for visitors. The festival's diverse activities include sponsors, supporters and participants taking part, as well as a date market, palm seedlings and agricultural tools, a traditional market and handicraft displays that revive authentic heritage for new generations. There is also a corner dedicated to women's modesty and elegance, as well as a children's area where children can learn about different types of dates and the importance of caring for palm trees through play. The festival programme includes seminars, lectures and educational workshops for farmers on the latest methods of caring for palm trees, producing the highest quality dates, combating agricultural pests and reducing their incidence, identifying fungal diseases that affect palm trees and ways to prevent them, and recycling and conserving water. These events will be held at the festival theatre and the participating organisations' pavilions. The Liwa Date Festival showcases the Emirate of Abu Dhabi's dedication to preserving and safeguarding its heritage, ensuring it is passed down through the generations. The festival celebrates the date season and the palm tree, which is a deeply rooted cultural and social symbol of Emirati heritage.
