Organisers have introduced fresh contests this year, including the “Local Lemon Beauty” and “Ratb Al Kharaif Beauty” competitions for children, inaugurating alongside longstanding signature events such as the “Khneizi Dates” challenge. These additions underscore SCCI’s intent to broaden participation and cater to diverse age groups, while reinforcing its mission of heritage preservation.
Economic and commercial programming remains robust. Date auctions, consumer retail markets, and exhibitions of packaging equipment and agricultural inputs will feature prominently. The initiative allows farmers and producers to market directly, establish business partnerships, and gain access to state-of-the-art cultivation technologies, strengthening the emirate’s agri-business network.
Cultural elements complement the commercial dimension. Traditional folk performances and heritage crafts will be showcased daily, facilitating cultural exchange and awareness. An expanded pavilion area offers interactive displays aimed at educating visitors about date-palm cultivation, sustainability techniques, and the economic significance of the sector to food security strategies.
Festival leadership has emphasised rising participation from date-farm owners across Sharjah and the broader UAE. Lebanese-born Mohammad Musabah Al Tunaiji, general coordinator of the event, stated that “increased registration across all contest categories demonstrates growing interest and national pride in date cultivation.” His remarks reflect the continuing growth seen in previous editions, where early agricultural entrants have evolved into commercial exhibitors.
Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, SCCI’s chairman, underlined the strategic value of the festival in advancing Sharjah’s agricultural development goals. Highlighting the need for food resilience, Al Owais said the festival supports farmers through knowledge sharing, marketplace access, and innovation promotion. It also anchors the emirate’s heritage narrative: the date palm remains a symbol of Emirati identity, sustainability, and cultural continuity.
To enhance the festival’s appeal to families and culinary enthusiasts, competitions such as “Best Stuffed Date Dish”—traditionally led by households—return this year, spotlighting women's creative expressions and culinary heritage. A children’s date-basket weaving competition employs traditional palm fronds, linking younger generations with heritage skills and community traditions.
Prizes and incentives are substantial. Over 130 awards across categories including “Best Lemons”, “Fig Contest”, "Most Beautiful Dates Basket", “General Elite Dates” and more are on offer. According to data from past editions, awards have ranged from AED 1,000 up to AED 25,000, while auction introductions have yielded competitive bidding environments that boost farmers’ incomes and elevate quality standards.
Participating government and private bodies include the Sharjah Municipality, Department of Agriculture and Climate Affairs, and private agritech firms. These partnerships support workshops, expert panels, and live demonstrations on irrigation, pest control, harvest optimisation, and date-processing innovations—crucial for sustaining farm operations with modern efficiency.
Business insights further extend to packaging, quality assurance systems, and export pathways. Trade-focused sessions aim to equip date producers with market intelligence and foster international collaboration, aligning with national objectives to increase agricultural exports and diversify economic growth.
Education is another core pillar. School visits, guided tours, and hands-on demonstrations help bridge the gap between urban audiences and rural farming practices. Interactive sessions engage children in harvesting simulations, quality checks, and food safety dialogues—contributing to general awareness of agricultural sustainability.
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