Abu Dhabi: The Al Wathba Date Festival 2026 is set to return this January, celebrating the UAE's most iconic fruit with a packed programme of competitions, auctions and cultural showcases.
Now in its third edition, the festival will run from January 15 to January 24, 2026, in the Al Wathba region of Abu Dhabi. It is held as part of the Sheikh Zayed Festival and is organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Supporting Local Date Palm Farmers
This year's festival continues to place strong emphasis on local date palm farmers and the future of date cultivation in the UAE. Organisers say the event aims to support growers, promote innovation in farming practices and preserve agricultural traditions that have been central to Emirati life for generations.
14 Competitions and Dh2 Million in Prizes
A total of 14 competitions form the core of the festival, with 116 prizes valued at more than Dh2 million. Seven of these are dedicated date beauty contests, spotlighting popular local varieties such as Dabbas, Khalas, Fardh and Zamli. Additional competitions include categories for date packaging, cooking, photography and live painting, blending creativity with heritage.
Premium Dates Auction
One of the standout attractions is the Dates Auction, where visitors can view and bid on premium locally grown dates. The auction provides farmers with a platform to showcase the quality of their harvests while connecting directly with buyers and collectors.
Heritage Souq and Cultural Performances
Beyond the competitive events, the Al Wathba Date Festival 2026 offers a broader cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional performances, folk shows, and a heritage souq featuring products linked to Emirati culture, alongside dedicated date sales outlets.
The Date Palm as a National Symbol
At its core, the festival highlights the deep cultural value of the date palm, long regarded in the UAE as a symbol of generosity, resilience and food security, while reinforcing its importance in the country's agricultural future.
