Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan Visits Inaugural Al Ain Dates Festival
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: : H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, visited the inaugural Al Ain Dates Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival is taking place at Al Hili Oasis from January 3 to 8, 2025.
Sheikh Hazza commenced his visit with a tour of Al Hili Tower and Bin Raeh Tower, where he was briefed on their historical importance in protecting local farms and sustaining the aflaj irrigation system. Commending the efforts to preserve these landmarks, he highlighted their vital role in Emirati heritage.
At Al Hili Oasis, His Highness explored its traditional agricultural practices and the contribution of the aflaj irrigation system, underscoring the oasis’s central role in the UAE’s cultural and historical identity.
Sheikh Hazza also visited the Photo Archive Exhibition, which showcases the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision for advancing agriculture and the cultivation of palm trees in the UAE. Additionally, he viewed displays of traditional palm-based handcrafts, including surood mats, saffa baskets, habool climbing belts, mahafah fans, and date-based culinary dishes.
The Sararid Heritage Passage was another highlight of the visit. His Highness was briefed on its unique design, which blends Emirati heritage with artisanal craftsmanship, reflecting the UAE’s cultural legacy.
Sheikh Hazza also attended part of the traditional dates mazayna and auction competitions, where he reviewed the process and praised the participants’ dedication to excellence.
Expressing gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for supporting heritage initiatives, Sheikh Hazza emphasized the festival’s importance in celebrating the palm tree as a cornerstone of Emirati heritage and a symbol of generosity. He also highlighted the festival’s role in empowering farmers, promoting sustainable agriculture, and advancing food security in the UAE.
His Highness lauded the exceptional efforts of the festival’s organizing committee and the collaborative contributions of government and private entities. He described the event as a testament to the UAE’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage while fostering innovation in agricultural practices.
Accompanying His Highness during the visit were Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority; and Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Acting Executive Director of Festivals and Events at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority.
