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The Al Ain Heritage Festival has announced the winners of its prestigious dates competition, marking a significant celebration of Emirati agricultural heritage. According to the organizing committee, Sultan Saeed Mohammed Sultan Al Ariani claimed first place in the Khalas dates competition, which took place as part of the festival’s inaugural edition running until February 9 in Al Ain Exhibition Grounds.
The event, held under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan and organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, featured 19 competitors who submitted a total of 950 kilograms of dates. The competition results were announced on Thursday, with Saeed Hamouda Khamis Al Ariani securing second place and the heirs of Ali Mubarak Sultan Al Ariani taking third position.
Substantial Prize Money for Dates Competition Winners
The Al Ain Heritage Festival allocated substantial financial rewards for participants in the dates competition. According to festival organizers, total prize money reached 280,000 dirhams distributed among ten winners. The first-place winner received 75,000 dirhams, while second and third place earned 50,000 and 40,000 dirhams respectively.
These significant cash prizes underscore the cultural and economic importance of date cultivation in Emirati heritage. The competition aims to preserve traditional agricultural practices while encouraging continued excellence in date production among local farmers.
Record Sales at Traditional Dates Auction
Meanwhile, the festival’s dates auction generated considerable commercial activity on Thursday. The highest sale price reached 420 dirhams for a single box of Zamli variety dates, demonstrating strong market demand for premium local produce. Total auction sales amounted to 54,490 dirhams for the day.
Additionally, the auction recorded impressive volume figures with 1,266 kilograms of dates sold across 422 boxes. This robust trading activity reflects growing appreciation for traditional Emirati date varieties and the festival’s role in connecting producers with buyers.
Traditional Food Heritage Competition Results
In contrast to the agricultural focus of the dates competition, the Al Jami competition celebrated Emirati culinary traditions. This contest aims to promote awareness of traditional Emirati food heritage and preparation methods. Maitha Muhammer Al Shamsi won first place, followed by Fatima Saeed Al Dhaheri in second and Fatima Hamad Al Shamsi in third.
The competition highlights the festival’s broader mission to preserve and showcase various aspects of Emirati cultural heritage beyond agriculture. Traditional cooking methods and recipes passed down through generations remain central to national identity and cultural continuity.
Festival Continues with Diverse Programming
However, the competitions represent only one component of the comprehensive festival program. The Al Ain Heritage Festival features various traditional, entertainment, and educational activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. These programs serve to educate younger generations about their heritage while providing entertainment for families.
The organizing committee confirmed that festival activities would continue through their seventh day with additional heritage programs and competitions. Guest of honor Saif Miftah Al Neyadi and Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Festivals and Events Sector at Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, participated in the awards ceremony honoring competition winners.
The festival is scheduled to conclude on February 9, with additional competitions and cultural activities planned for the remaining days. Organizers have not yet announced whether the inaugural edition’s success will lead to an annual tradition, though the strong participation and community engagement suggest continued interest in future events.
