Currently, the 21st Liwa Festival 2025 is attracting both local and international visitors due to its combination of tradition, innovation, and agriculture. However, the event is being hosted at the Al Dhafra region. Although the event is popular as a date competition, it is also a tribute to the cultural legacy and its modern agricultural process.
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority is the organizer of this unique festival. However, you can be a part of this event until the 27th of July. It is offering a wide range of events, cultural showcases, and educational platforms.
Real Experience: A Hub for Farmers and Innovators at Liwa Festival 2025
Farmers, agricultural experts, researchers, and industry pioneers have come together to exchange knowledge and showcase the best methods for the cultivation of dates. This festival is a collaborative hub for those experts who are committed to improving the quality of dates and sustainable farming in the UAE.
Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Festivals and Events Sector at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, said, “The festival has become a detailed celebration that plays an important role in economic growth and agricultural development. In addition, it is contributing to the advancement of the agriculture sector and the date production industry in the UAE.”
24 Competitions Showcasing the Best of Emirati Dates
The 2025 edition of this event has 12 key date competitions across the seven popular categories, like Fard, Dabbas, Khallas, Zamli, Shishi, etc. In addition, five competitions, like Elite Liwa Date, Elite Dhafra Date, and Largest Bunch, are also happening to save and promote the cultural values of the palm trees.
The organizing committee has set clear judging standards to ensure quality and consistency. These standards are regularly reviewed and updated to match the objective. The weight of 50 dates fruits, which is now average over 700 grams, is more than double that of the festival’s early years.
Dabbas Competition: Crown Jewel of the Festival
The Dabbas categories are one of the most prestigious competitions with over 53 palm farms. Here is the list of the top 3 winners in this competition:
- Ma’alla Ali Morshed Khamis Al Marar
- Saree’a Amer Jadeed Al Mansouri
- Obaid Ali Morshed Al Marar
The Dabba variety is popular for its golden color and mid-season maturity. In addition, it is steady in Al Dhafra and Ras Al Khaimah. Moreover, the dates make up around 50 percent of the cultivated varieties in the region. The pool of total pool price for the Dabbas and Khalas competition has reached Dh446,000 for each winner. However, it is important to note that there are 25 winners in each category.
Elite Competitions: Raising the Bar
The Elite Date Competitions have also upgraded in this edition. Now, the number of varieties needed was reduced to 10 from 15 for Liwa and 15 from 20 for Dhafra. It makes the competition more accessible and maintains the high standards. The winners of each competition have been awarded the following prize money:
- Dh100,000 to 1st place
- Dh75,000 to 2nd place
- Dh40,000 to 3rd place
It shows the commitment of the organizing committee to ongoing improvement and inclusivity.
Free Wi-Fi for Visitors: A Digital Touch
Free WIFI is available on the ground of the festival to improve the visitor engagement. It will allow you to stay connected and share your experience. In addition, this facility is going to help you follow the live updates from various events at the festivals. Moreover, it is a thoughtful touch that aligns with the broader digital strategy to ensure a seamless experience for tourists and locals.
Read more:
Emirate Achieves 99.7% Resident Satisfaction in Public Security
[…] Liwa Festival 2025 Draws Massive Crowd, Boosts UAE’s Agricultural and Cultural Identity […]