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What's On
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Dubai for Dates returns this weekend with competitions, auctions, and cultural celebrations
Get ready to go date crazy as Dubai for Dates returns this Friday, July 25, for its second edition. Organised by the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC), this week-long event pays tribute to the UAE's beloved palm tree and its most prized fruit, the date. More than just a cultural throwback, it's a living celebration of Emirati identity, agriculture, and community. Held at Al Remah Fort on the Dubai–Al Ain Road, the festival runs daily from 10am to 10pm. Visitors can expect a buzzing atmosphere of heritage competitions, artisanal stalls, and family-friendly experiences. It's all about honouring the past while engaging with the present. This year's edition features 13 competition categories, including returning favourites and new additions. Among them are the 'Homegrown Palm' categories (Dubai and General), sponsored by Furjan Dubai, and a 'Government Entities' section. A newly introduced highlight is the 'Dubai Hilwa' competition, named after a rare and sought-after local date variety. It's backed by Al Shindagha Museum and Dubai Culture. Meanwhile, the high-profile 'Dubai Elite' category, sponsored by Emaar, promises to draw strong contenders. All entries will be reviewed by a specialist judging panel chaired by Saeed Khalifa bin Thalith and supported by experienced figures in date cultivation and heritage, ensuring that authenticity and quality remain paramount. One of the standout additions this year is a seven-day palm tree auction, organised in partnership with Emirates Auction. Expect a fascinating look into the commercial and symbolic value of Emirati palm trees, with prized varieties up for grabs. 'This initiative is not merely an event, but a social and national message,' said HHC CEO Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmook. 'The palm tree is not just a tree; it is a symbol of generosity, deep roots, and intergenerational connection.' As Dubai continues to build on its heritage-led initiatives, Dubai for Dates serves as a reminder that tradition and progress can grow side by side. Whether you're a fan of local produce, looking for a family day out, or just keen to learn more about Emirati culture, this is one summer festival worth checking out. For full competition details and registration, visit > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Khaleej Times
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Look: Dubai announces 'best decorated homes' during Ramadan
With a few days left until the end of Ramadan, the 'Best Decorated Homes Competition' has announced its winners on Thursday. With a total prize pool of Dh200,000 in cash and Umrah tickets, the competition was launched at the beginning of the holy month, encouraging residents to decorate their homes with festive lights and ornaments. The first-place winner was Asma Al Yasi from Muhaisnah, who entered the competition five days before the deadline. She told Khaleej Times:"It took me five days to complete my decorations, and I submitted my application on the last day.' Her efforts paid off as she was awarded Dh100,000 for her breathtaking display, which featured a six-metre-long crescent moon. She also added a unique touch: A traditional cannon placed in front of her house, along with lights displaying the hashtags #BrandDubai and #FurjanDubai. "I stood out because no one else included these elements. That gave me confidence that I could at least place in the top three,' Asma added. Organised in collaboration with Brand Dubai and Furjan Dubai, the competition celebrated the artistic creativity of homeowners throughout the city. Motivated by neighbours It was a heartwarming tale of inspiration and community spirit, where two neighbours in Dubai were among the winners — proving that motivation can come from the people closest to us. Mansour Mohammed from Al Warqaa 3 and his neighbour Abbas Al Khaja, won second and third places respectively. For years, Abbas has been passionately decorating his home. 'It's a tradition I carried from when we lived in a flat, where I used to adorn my balcony. After moving to my house in 2018, I continued the practice, refreshing the decorations annually," he added. Without him knowing, his neighbour, Mansour, had been admiring his efforts for years. While adding simple decorations to his home, he was always captivated by the beauty of his neighbour's display. When Mansour's children learned about the competition, they encouraged him to enter. Motivated by their enthusiasm and his neighbour's inspiring work, he participated for the first time. Mansour secured second place with a prize of Dh60,000, surpassing the very neighbour who had sparked his excitement. Al Khaja, who won third place and Dh40,000, for his part, said: "Decorating is a hobby for me. I never did it for a prize, but when my family and friends encouraged me to enter, I decided to give it a shot." He incorporated a crescent moon and star, symbols associated with Ramadan. Al Khaja is now looking ahead to next year, determined to make an even more significant impact. "Next year, I plan to create the largest crescent moon display in Dubai, along with a star and other surprise elements to make my decorations even more special,' he said. Sharing the joy of the season During the announcement ceremony, Sara Merdas, a member of the Ramadan in Dubai Campaign, emphasised the initiative's importance in spreading Ramadan's spirit. "This competition was launched in partnership with Furjan Dubai to encourage residents to decorate their homes and share in the joy of the season," she said, adding: 'Even those who didn't participate still inspired others." She also announced an expansion in the competition's prize offerings. "Originally, there were 10 prizes, including three top winners and seven Umrah tickets. However, the number of prizes has increased to 20, with additional winners receiving two Umrah tickets each," She said. Meanwhile, Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, revealed details about the upcoming 'Eid in Dubai' campaign. This initiative will welcome travelers arriving at Dubai airports with a special passport stamp featuring the slogan 'Eid in Dubai.' Designed by Brand Dubai in collaboration with the General Authority for Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), the stamp will warmly greet visitors. The celebrations will include light shows across the emirate, entertainment events in shopping malls and parks, and a vibrant festive atmosphere.
