Latest news with #LiwaDateFestival
Gulf Today
11 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Liwa Date Festival advances food security in UAE: Nahyan
Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, visited the activities and competitions of the 21st edition of the 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. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival serves as a prominent platform celebrating the cultural and economic significance of palm cultivation, while promoting the quality of local produce. Sheikh Nahyan affirmed that the Liwa Date Festival encourages farmers to invest more in their farms, diversify crops by growing palm and fruit trees, and contributes to advancing food security and sustainable agriculture in the UAE. This focus on palm cultivation stems from the legacy established by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who placed agriculture-particularly palm cultivation-at the heart of the country's development. He prioritised supporting farmers and empowering them with the tools of production as a strategic pillar for environmental preservation and achieving food self-sufficiency. These events embody the spirit of comprehensive development witnessed by the UAE under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who places great importance on the agricultural and environmental heritage and supports national initiatives that cement the symbolic and economic value of palm trees. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, the festival underscores his commitment to supporting farmers, enhancing agricultural sustainability, and fostering local economic development. During his tour, Sheikh Nahyan reviewed the festival's daily activities and competitions held for farmers and visitors, including wide participation from government and private entities, date vendors, palm sapling nurseries, agricultural supply stores, and booths for productive families in the traditional market. The festival also includes a women's elegance and heritage corner, a crafts zone, a children's area, as well as lectures and specialised workshops targeting farmers and the public. He also visited the pavilions of participating and supporting entities, including: the Court of the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Department of Energy, Serah Group, Tadweer Group, Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Al Foah (part of Agthia Group), Al Dhafra Municipality, Al Ain Municipality, Al Dhafra Hospitals (SEHA), Abu Dhabi Media Network, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, 'Faseelah' app, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Judicial Department, and other public and private sector entities. Sheikh Nahyan was accompanied by Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, along with a number of officials and dignitaries. At the conclusion of his tour, Sheikh Nahyan expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the organising and supporting entities, particularly the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, for their outstanding efforts in showcasing this important cultural and economic event. Recently, the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority participated in the 21st edition of the Liwa Date Festival, currently underway in Liwa City, Al Dhafra, until July 27. The participation reflects the authority's commitment to strengthening community engagement and ensuring that citizens have direct access to information on available housing services. The festival offers a platform for the authority to showcase its latest digital solutions and smart services designed to enhance the customer journey and improve the overall quality of services provided. Through its pavilion, the authority is engaging directly with citizens to respond to enquiries, gather feedback, and offer guidance on various housing programmes, initiatives and procedures. Visitors to the pavilion can explore the 'Iskan Abu Dhabi' application, a comprehensive digital platform that enables users to access and track housing services without the need to visit service centres. WAM
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Nahyan bin Mubarak visits Liwa Date Festival
18 July 2025 15:22 AL DHAFRA (WAM)Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, visited the activities and competitions of the 21st edition of the 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 by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival serves as a prominent platform celebrating the cultural and economic significance of palm cultivation, while promoting the quality of local Nahyan affirmed that the Liwa Date Festival encourages farmers to invest more in their farms, diversify crops by growing palm and fruit trees, and contributes to advancing food security and sustainable agriculture in the focus on palm cultivation stems from the legacy established by the founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who placed agriculture—particularly palm cultivation—at the heart of the country's development. He prioritised supporting farmers and empowering them with the tools of production as a strategic pillar for environmental preservation and achieving food events embody the spirit of comprehensive development witnessed by the UAE under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who places great importance on the agricultural and environmental heritage and supports national initiatives that cement the symbolic and economic value of palm under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, the festival underscores his commitment to supporting farmers, enhancing agricultural sustainability, and fostering local economic his tour, Sheikh Nahyan reviewed the festival's daily activities and competitions held for farmers and visitors, including wide participation from government and private entities, date vendors, palm sapling nurseries, agricultural supply stores, and booths for productive families in the traditional festival also includes a women's elegance and heritage corner, a crafts zone, a children's area, as well as lectures and specialised workshops targeting farmers and the also visited the pavilions of participating and supporting entities, including: the Court of the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Department of Energy, Serah Group, Tadweer Group, Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Al Foah (part of Agthia Group), Al Dhafra Municipality, Al Ain Municipality, Al Dhafra Hospitals (SEHA), Abu Dhabi Media Network, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, 'Faseelah' app, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Judicial Department, and other public and private sector Nahyan was accompanied by Major General Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, along with a number of officials and dignitaries. At the conclusion of his tour, Sheikh Nahyan expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the organising and supporting entities, particularly the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, for their outstanding efforts in showcasing this important cultural and economic event.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Community spirit shines as Liwa Date Festival grows as a symbol of Emirati pride
17 July 2025 21:43 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (LIWA CITY)Year after year, Liwa Date Festival exceeds expectations, expanding in scale, quality, and impact. Behind its success is a passionate team — including volunteers who work closely with organisers to ensure smooth operations and an engaging experience for all Al Mazrouei, a university student, has travelled from Abu Dhabi to Al Dhafra Region to volunteer at the festival, and she has been doing so for three years now. 'This festival is not just about dates — it's about heritage, family, and pride,' Al Mazrouei told Aletihad . To her, devoting time to the event is a tribute to her roots, an expression of pride in the culture she grew up with.'My grandparents were date farmers, and by volunteering, I feel like I'm honouring their legacy and preserving our traditions for future generations,' she said. At the festival, volunteers help out in several aspects, from managing logistics and guiding visitors to assisting with competitions and promoting sustainability initiatives. Their efforts support the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority's goal of creating an organised, enriching experience for both visitors and participants. Ahmed Al Mansouri, who is also from Abu Dhabi, is volunteering for the first time this year at the fest's 21st edition. 'What inspired me to volunteer was the sense of belonging,' he said.'Everyone here is working with a shared goal: to celebrate something deeply rooted in our culture. I've met people from all over the country, and we're all connected through this experience.'It's more than just an event, Al Mansouri said, 'it's a national story we're writing together.'For Aisha Al Rumaithi, another volunteer and an environmental science graduate, being part of the event is a way to show her appreciation of the local culture. 'I grew up hearing stories about the Liwa Oasis and how important dates are to our survival and identity,' said Al Rumaithi. 'Now, to be part of an event that blends our past with our future — sustainability, innovation, and culture — is incredibly meaningful to me.'With its strong focus on community engagement, education, and economic development, Liwa Date Festival stands as a testament to the UAE's commitment to preserving its cultural roots while looking confidently toward the future. From the hands of farmers to the hearts of visitors and the tireless work of volunteers, the festival continues to blossom —season after season — as a symbol of resilience, unity, and Emirati pride.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Irrigation goes smart as AI-powered ‘Falaj' optimises water usage at UAE farms
17 July 2025 22:09 MAYS IBRAHIM (LIWA CITY)Innovators in the UAE have brought the ancient falaj irrigation system into the age of AI — this time as a tech-driven solution that promotes smart, sustainable farming amid climate and water United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), a team of experts has developed a next-generation 'Falaj' — a smart irrigation system that integrates advanced Internet of Things (IoT) technology with artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise water usage. Mansoor Al Hosani, a horticulture student from the UAEU's College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, walked Aletihad through its features at Liwa Date Festival in Al Dhafra Region. The system is designed to optimise greenhouse irrigation through a seamless combination of smart sensors, AI algorithms, and remote-access capabilities, Al Hosani said. It operates on three main functions: monitoring, control, and alarm. The monitoring feature collects real-time data from sensors that measure soil moisture, temperature, pH levels, and electrical conductivity — metrics crucial for maintaining soil health and crop productivity. This continuous stream of information enables farmers to understand the needs of their crops and apply the precise amount of water at the right time, Al Hosani said. How It Works The control system is managed through a user-friendly mobile app that gives farmers full oversight of irrigation processes. 'This way, you don't need engineers or workers on-site all the time,' said Al Hosani. 'You can manage everything from anywhere in the world.'Users can choose to automate water delivery or make manual adjustments, and the app's intuitive interface ensures accessibility even for those with limited technical experience, he adjusting water flow or responding to changing environmental conditions, farmers have complete flexibility at their is also equipped with an alarm system, which immediately notifies users when environmental conditions deviate from optimal levels. Alerts for issues like excess heat or humidity allow farmers to take timely action before such changes can harm crop Hosani noted that this intelligent infrastructure is supported by several key components, including a soil moisture monitoring station known as the 'watchman.'A smart valve ensures efficient water distribution based on real-time pressure data, while a solar-powered system reduces reliance on the electric grid. The system also includes a frequency converter cabinet that helps maintain stable water pressure throughout the irrigation of this data is presented in real-time through a centralised dashboard, which enables fast, informed decisions, enhancing overall farm management and in collaboration with NAWA, a technology company specialising in agricultural innovations, Falaj supports various communication technologies, including 4G, Wi-Fi, and LoRa wireless protocols. Al Hosani also noted that the irrigation system ensures farming information is protected through robust data encryption.
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Liwa Date Festival reinforces national identity, says Mansour
His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, on Monday visited the 21st Liwa Date Festival in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region. The festival – organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority under the patronage of His Highness – is considered one of the most prominent agricultural and heritage festivals in the UAE. The event reaffirms the Authority's commitment to celebrating one of the UAE's most enduring cultural and agricultural traditions. During his tour, His Highness reviewed several pavilions of government and private entities showcasing their services and innovations in the agricultural sector. He also listened to explanations about the festival's various competitions and activities, which highlight the social and economic value of the palm tree and its products. The event also underscores the tree's contribution to food security and the enhancement of agricultural sustainability. His Highness Sheikh Mansour stressed that the agriculture and food production sector was witnessing significant growth in the UAE, thanks to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and his continuous support for empowering farmers, producers, and manufacturers to ensure sustainable food production and strengthen national food security. He affirmed that the festival reflects the Emirati citizen's deep connection with the land and reinforces national identity by celebrating the palm tree as a cultural symbol. Supporting local agriculture and empowering farmers contributes to a balanced economic distribution and sustainable development aligned with the national goal of achieving food self-sufficiency. His Highness also praised the festival's role in boosting economic activity in the Al Dhafra Region by attracting thousands of visitors annually and serving as a platform that brings together farmers, experts, and pioneers in the agricultural industries — cementing the agricultural sector as a vital contributor to the national economy. Accompanying His Highness on the tour were Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, and several officials from the authority. The Liwa Date Festival features numerous competitions with total prizes exceeding Dhs8.7 million. It includes a range of heritage activities that aim to preserve the legacy and status of the palm tree as a symbol of the past and a blessing of the present. It also strengthens family and community bonds, ensures intergenerational continuity, and promotes values of cooperation, belonging, and cultural heritage preservation — supporting the goals of the UAE's 'Year of the Community.' The festival also plays a vital role in supporting the local community and productive families in the region through the traditional market, which includes stalls for selling fresh dates, date products, palm-related items, factories, and nurseries. It also hosts pavilions of participating sponsors and supporters. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is participating in the 20th edition of the 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. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival takes place in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi, from 15th to 28th July 2024. The Authority emphasised the significance of their participation in the festival to support heritage and cultural events aimed at promoting the Al Dhafra region both economically and as a tourist destination. ADAFSA aims to showcase its role in developing the palm sector in Abu Dhabi through various plans and programmes aimed at enhancing palm cultivation and date production, supporting agricultural sustainability, and bolstering the biosecurity system to prevent diseases and pests. This year, ADAFSA's participation includes an introduction to its comprehensive range of services provided to farm owners, especially agricultural extension services. The Authority will highlight its efforts in pest control for palm trees, integrated pest management programmes, and promoting best practices in palm tree care, particularly focusing on the installation and management of pheromone and light traps and recommended treatment methods for palm trunk infestations. WAM
