Latest news with #AlNahyan
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How the Liwa Date Festival keeps Emirati heritage alive
Liwa Oasis: Celebrating Emirati heritage in the heart of the desert/Image: Wikipedia TL;DR: Liwa Date Festival 2025 takes place between July 14–27 in Al Dhafra , highlighting Emirati agricultural heritage and food security. It is not just a celebration, it is an emblem of national heritage, economic sustainability, and cultural pride. AED 8 million+ (INR 18,66,28,080+) in awards are distributed through contests in date production, mango and lemon cultivation, and model farms. The event enables farmers, develops traditional crafts, and supports the UAE 's larger objectives under the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision. Entering its 21st year, the festival combines tradition with innovation bridging communities around one of the region's oldest irrigated fruits. Oasis to Opportunity: Why Dates Are Important to Emirati Life Before skyscrapers and shopping centres came to dominate the UAE horizon, the simple date palm was what supported life. In Liwa, a crescent-shaped oasis along the periphery of the Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter), date cultivation supported generations of Emiratis for sustenance, shade, materials for construction, and trade. The oasis was so integral to existence that many of the current ruling families such as the Al Nahyan dynasty claim descent from its groves. The Liwa Date Festival was established in 2004 to preserve and promote this deeply rooted agricultural heritage. Over the past two decades, it has transformed from a local celebration into a national cultural institution, organised annually under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region. What's Happening at the 2025 Festival? Running from 14th to 27th July this year, the event is hosted at the Liwa City exhibition grounds and includes: 24 competition sections covering date varieties such as Dabbas, Khalas, Shishi, Fardh, and Khenaizi Increased cash awards of more than AED 8 million, encouraging quality and innovation in cultivation Model farm competitions, whereby growers showcase sustainability techniques and improved irrigation Fruit competitions for mangoes and lemons, increasing the agricultural scope Traditional Emirati souks and crafts, including date-based products, weaving, falconry, and pottery A cultural village, created with the aim of educating children and visitors about Bedouin living Live auctions, in which top-quality date bunches can sell for thousands of dirhams It is free, family-oriented and receives more than 100,000 people every year, including farmers, traders, tourists, and dignitaries. Beyond Celebration: Why the Festival is Significant in 2025 1. National Identity & Cultural Continuity Dates aren't merely a food item; they are ritual. From Ramadan festivals to weddings, the fruit is at the center of Emirati traditions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo The festival rekindles those bonds and transmits them to younger generations via workshops, storytelling sessions, and craft showcases. 2. Agricultural Sustainability The UAE is short of arable land and suffers from high temperatures, but Al Dhafra farmers have come up with adaptable, water-saving agricultural techniques some of which have been showcased in the festival's model farm displays. It also aligns with the National Food Security Strategy 2051, which seeks to decrease import reliance. 3. Economic Empowerment The festival allows rural farmers to sell premium dates directly, usually to bulk purchasers from the Gulf, Europe, and Southeast Asia. With tourism increasing in Al Dhafra, the festival is also a principal source of revenue for SMEs, food outlets, and transport providers. Historically, Liwa was not just a date-farming centre, it was the entrance to Abu Dhabi. In the 19th and 18th centuries, caravans rested here before venturing into the desert or to the coast. Its strategic position made it crucial for trade, particularly in dates, which were in turn bartered for rice, cloth, and tools. When oil was discovered, numerous Liwa tribes had moved to cities but government attempts to maintain the oasis legacy through this festival have prompted numerous people to go back and re-invest in agriculture. What the Festival Reveals About the UAE's Future The Liwa Date Festival is a perfect example of how contemporary countries can retain heritage while looking into the future. It's a peaceful but potent instrument of diplomacy, internal identity formation, and food security. It demonstrates that even in a high-technology economy, ancient customs are still a foundation. FAQs Q. What are the main features of the Liwa Date Festival 2025? Competition in dates, lemons, and mangoes; model farms; cultural village; artisan souk; auctions; and family activities. Q. Are dates available for purchase by tourists at the festival? Yes, indeed. On-site sales by many retailers, plus auctions offer rare varieties sought after throughout the region. Q. How does the festival promote sustainability? By encouraging organic farming, water-saving irrigation, and climate-smart agriculture education. Q. Are there other festivals such as this one in the UAE? Yes. Al Dhafra Festival (camel heritage), Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, and Al Ain Traditional Market celebrate other dimensions of UAE identity.
Asharq Al-Awsat
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Crown Prince, Abu Dhabi Deputy Ruler Discuss Bilateral Relations
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met on Thursday with Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah. During the meeting, they discussed ways to develop and enhance bilateral cooperation across various fields.
Arab News
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
UAE president, Russia's Putin discuss Iran-Israel conflict
LONDON: Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan to discuss the latest developments in the Iran-Israel conflict, which entered its sixth day as of Wednesday. The leaders addressed the grave implications of the conflict — which began on Friday — on regional and global security, according to the Emirates News Agency. They discussed efforts to contain the war and halt the spiraling escalation, and highlighted the importance of exercising restraint and pursuing dialogue to avoid further threats to security. Putin and Sheikh Mohamed voiced their support for all efforts aimed at achieving a solution through diplomatic means, WAM reported.
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE President, Mohammed bin Rashid discuss efforts to advance national development, prosperity driven by national economy
DUBAI: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met today with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. During their meeting at Al Marmoom in Dubai, Their Highnesses engaged in warm conversations and discussed various national topics, including the positive indicators the UAE economy continues to deliver, supporting the country's progress and prosperity. The discussion also touched on efforts to enhance government services for the benefit of all members of society. Their Highnesses prayed for continued development and growth for the UAE and its people across all fields. Also in attendance were H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affair; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President; and Faisal Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs; along with a number of senior officials.
Khaleej Times
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE President offers condolences to Saudi King on passing of Prince Faisal bin Turki
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has offered condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, on the passing of Prince Faisal bin Turki bin Saud Al Kabeer Al Saud. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, dispatched similar messages to the Saudi King. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, also offered their condolences.
