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The organizing committee of the Al Ain Heritage Festival has announced the results of the Khalas date competition and the Jami competition as part of the festival’s inaugural edition. The Al Ain Heritage Festival continues until February 9 at the exhibition grounds in Al Ain city, showcasing traditional Emirati culture and heritage through various competitions and activities.
Guest of honor Saif Miftah Al Neyadi and Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Festivals and Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, crowned the winners of the Khalas competition. According to the official announcement, Sultan Saeed Mohammed Sultan Al Aryani secured first place, while Saeed Hamouda Khamis Al Aryani came second and the heirs of Ali Mubarak Sultan Al Aryani took third place.
Date Competition Attracts Strong Participation
The Khalas date competition drew 19 contestants who submitted a combined total of 950 kilograms of dates. The festival organizing committee allocated prizes totaling 280,000 dirhams for the top ten winners in this category. The first-place winner received 75,000 dirhams, second place earned 50,000 dirhams, and the third-place winner was awarded 40,000 dirhams.
Meanwhile, the date auction saw impressive sales activity throughout the event. The highest-priced box sold for 420 dirhams and featured the Zamali variety, according to festival organizers. Total auction sales reached 54,490 dirhams, with 1,266 kilograms of dates sold across 422 boxes.
Traditional Food Competition Highlights Emirati Cuisine
Additionally, the Jami competition results were announced, celebrating traditional Emirati culinary heritage. This competition aims to promote awareness of Emirati food heritage elements and their traditional preparation methods. Maitha Muhammer Al Shamsi won first place in the competition, while Fatima Saeed Al Dhaheri secured second place and Fatima Hamad Al Shamsi finished third.
The Al Ain Heritage Festival represents a significant effort to preserve and promote Emirati cultural traditions. These date competitions and traditional food contests serve as platforms for local communities to showcase their agricultural expertise and culinary skills passed down through generations. However, the festival extends beyond competitions to include educational and entertainment programs.
Festival Continues with Diverse Heritage Programs
In contrast to previous heritage events, this inaugural edition of the Al Ain Heritage Festival combines traditional elements with modern festival organization. The organizing committee has structured the event to include daily activities featuring heritage, entertainment, and awareness programs. The festival grounds host various exhibitions and demonstrations that educate visitors about traditional Emirati practices.
The date auction results demonstrate continued interest in premium Emirati date varieties among collectors and enthusiasts. The Zamali variety, which achieved the highest per-box price, reflects the market value placed on quality traditional date cultivation. These auctions support local date farmers and encourage the preservation of traditional agricultural methods.
Furthermore, the substantial prize money allocated for the Khalas competition underscores the importance authorities place on preserving date cultivation traditions. The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority’s involvement through its Festivals and Events Sector highlights governmental support for cultural preservation initiatives across the emirate.
The festival continues to welcome visitors through February 9, with daily programming that showcases various aspects of Emirati heritage. Organizers have indicated that multiple competitions and events remain scheduled throughout the remaining days, though specific details about upcoming activities have not been fully disclosed.
