Visitors can enjoy competitions, live auctions, heritage activities and folk performances
Get ready to indulge your senses as the Al Wathba Date Festival is back in Abu Dhabi from 15 to 24 January 2026, promising a delicious blend of culture, competition, and entertainment.
This year’s festival is part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival and continues to celebrate the UAE’s rich date-growing heritage while supporting local farmers and promoting innovation in cultivation.
This edition is bigger and better than ever, featuring 14 competitions with 116 prizes worth over AED 2 million.
Visitors can watch experts judge premium varieties like Mazayna Nokhbat Al Wathba, Dabbas, Khalas, Fardh, Shishi, Boumaan, and Zamli, as well as enjoy cooking contests, packaging challenges, photography competitions celebrating heritage and sustainability, and even a live painting contest, a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
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The festival’s highlight, the Date Auction, showcases the UAE’s finest dates, giving visitors a chance to bid on these sweet treasures while supporting farmers and the local date industry.
Beyond the competitions, the festival transforms the Al Wathba area into a vibrant cultural village, complete with traditional activities, folk performances, markets, and retail outlets offering authentic Emirati products.
From immersive heritage experiences to fun-filled family activities, the Al Wathba Date Festival is more than a celebration of dates, it’s a community gathering, a cultural showcase, and a living tribute to the UAE’s agricultural legacy.
Whether you’re a foodie, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique experience, this festival is the perfect way to explore, learn, and celebrate the UAE’s sweet traditions.
Come for the dates, stay for the heritage, Al Wathba Date Festival is where tradition meets celebration in the sweetest way imaginable.
15 to 24 January 2026, Al Wathba Date Festival. For further information, visit zayedfestival.ae
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