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The Al Wathba Flowers Festival, one of the key events accompanying the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence, concluded after an intensive program of competitions and activities that showcased the development of the floriculture and ornamental horticulture sector in the United Arab Emirates. The festival, held from January 16 to 30, 2026, at the Award’s pavilion within the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, emphasized innovation, creativity, and sustainability in this vital agricultural field.
According to organizers, the event witnessed strong competition among participants across various categories, accompanied by positive atmospheres and meticulous organization that reflected the advanced level these activities have achieved. The festival played a significant role in supporting national talent and motivating excellence in the floriculture industry.
Diverse Competitions Showcase Agricultural Innovation
The Al Wathba Flowers Festival featured a wide range of competitions designed to engage different segments of the community. Categories included best photograph of the flower festival, best desert garden design, best flower-derived product, and best flower bouquet for both children and professional categories. Additionally, participants competed in best creative practice in floriculture, best flower farm in the country, and most beautiful home flower garden.
These varied categories contributed to expanding community participation and highlighting diverse creative talents across the Emirates. The competitions attracted participants from various backgrounds and age groups, creating an inclusive platform for showcasing horticultural excellence.
Educational Workshops Enhance Technical Knowledge
This year’s festival served as a comprehensive platform for demonstrating the latest innovative agricultural practices. Specialized workshops covered flower arrangement, three-dimensional content creation, and introductory sessions on modern techniques in ornamental horticulture. These educational components reinforced the event’s role as a leading national initiative supporting the UAE’s goals in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability.
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence contributed significantly to elevating the quality of participation. According to officials, the award motivated farmers and innovators to adopt creative solutions reflecting the nation’s vision for developing the agricultural sector through sustainable practices.
Recognition Ceremony Honors Outstanding Participants
At the festival’s conclusion, Mubarak Al Quseili Al Mansoori, chairman of the Festivals and Competitions Committee accompanying the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence, honored participants. The recognition ceremony appreciated their active contribution and distinguished efforts that significantly contributed to the success of the accompanying events and competitions, according to official statements.
Al Mansoori emphasized that this recognition supports the journey of agricultural creativity and innovation. The ceremony highlighted the organizers’ commitment to acknowledging excellence in ornamental agriculture and encouraging continued participation in future editions.
Cultural Celebrations Strengthen Regional Ties
The flower festival coincided with special activities at the pavilion celebrating the fraternal relations between the UAE and Kuwait. These festivities reflected the depth of historical and social bonds between the two nations, demonstrating the festival’s commitment to promoting brotherhood, mutual cooperation, and highlighting the cultural and social dimensions accompanying agricultural events.
Mayad Mohammed Al Rashdi, head of the Al Wathba Flowers Festival team, stated that this year witnessed exceptional levels of competition and creativity across various categories. The festival attracted significant participation from competitors and visitors, reflecting its growing stature and ability to attract talent and enthusiasts of ornamental horticulture from across the Emirates.
Al Rashdi noted that the positive atmosphere, combined with strong competition and category diversity, created an encouraging environment for creativity and knowledge exchange among participants of different ages and backgrounds. She added that the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence formed a central pillar in the festival’s success through continuous support for participants, encouraging them to deliver their best work and elevating the quality of submissions in line with the UAE’s aspirations in sustainability and agricultural innovation.
The festival’s success is expected to inform planning for next year’s edition, though specific dates and expanded categories have not yet been announced by organizers.
