The Liwa Date Festival, an annual extravaganza of date-related events, competitions and cultural activities, will welcome visitors for the first time since 2019. The two previous celebrations of Emirati heritage were closed to the public because of the Covid-19 pandemic and only featured participants.

Held in Liwa, Al Dhafra, this year’s festival runs from July 16 to 24, Abu Dhabi Media Office reported on Tuesday, and will allow members of the public to learn about the most popular varieties of dates grown in the UAE. Visitors much show a green pass on the Al Hosn app to gain entry, while other rules such as distancing will remain, organisers said. Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Director of the Festival and Director of the Planning and Projects Administration of the Committee, said the festival will feature 23 major competitions this year, which will present 293 prizes worth Dh8.3 million.

Al Mazrouei explained that the festival will include many events and competitions held in its popular market, in addition to featuring traditional handicrafts, a theatre, various competitions, daily prizes and other exciting activities for all age groups. The festival’s market will display handicraft items made by citizens for visitors, he added.