The UAE’s most anticipated summer celebration of culture and agriculture is back. The 21st edition of the Liwa Date Festival will take place from July 14 to 27 in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region, bringing together farmers, families, and food lovers from across the Emirates.

Organised under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the festival celebrates Emirati agriculture, tradition, and innovation. Expect a vibrant marketplace, family-friendly shows, and cultural activities.

This year’s festival promises more excitement than ever, with a staggering Dh8.735 million in prize money across 24 competitions, honouring the best in local dates, fruits, farm innovation, and traditional craftsmanship.

What’s at stake? Massive cash prizes across categories

From the sweetest Khalas dates to the largest bunch of Dabbas, competitors will battle it out in traditional “mazayna” contests with big rewards on the line:

• Dabbas and Khalas Competitions: Dh446,000 each – with Dh100,000 for 1st place
• Fard, Khenaizi, Buma’an, Shishi, Zamli: Dh367,000 each – 1st place wins Dh100,000
• Al Ain’s Fard & Khalas: Up to 25 prizes per contest
• Elite Competitions:
  • Al Dhafra Elite: 1st prize Dh200,000
  • Liwa Elite: 1st prize Dh125,000
• Largest Date Bunch: Dh234,000 in total – Dh50,000 for 1st
• Fruit Contests:
  • Mango, Lemon, and Fig categories offer up to Dh234,000 in prizes
  • Local Fruit Basket Competition: Top prize Dh200,000
• Model Farm Awards: Dh750,000 per region – 1st place takes home Dh300,000
• Handicraft and Innovation:
  • Most Beautiful Palm Frond Basket & Palm Trunk Art: 10 prizes each

More than dates: Culture, community, and sustainability

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival is timed with the UAE’s annual date harvest and aims to celebrate Emirati agricultural heritage.

Expect a vibrant line-up of heritage displays, live folklore performances, cultural evenings, and family-friendly activities, from quizzes and seminars to a bustling traditional market with date products, nurseries, cafés, and local crafts.

Why visit?

• Witness top-tier agricultural showdowns
• Explore eco-friendly creations from palm fronds and trunks
• Support local farmers, artisans, and productive families
• Learn about modern farming innovations shaping the UAE’s future