Abu Dhabi date festivals draw 180,000 visitors and 1,500 farmers

In 2026, the Rutb Season in Abu Dhabi concluded with three consecutive date festivals, drawing over 180,000 visitors and showcasing the agricultural heritage of the UAE. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Rutb Season comprised the 22nd Liwa Date Festival, the first Al Ain Date Festival and the inaugural Al Wathba Date Festival.

These three events were held from July 14 to August 9, 2026, and featured around 60 competitions, more than 1,500 participating farmers and approximately 180,000 attendees from across the UAE and the Gulf region.

The festivals celebrated the date palm as a symbol of national identity and agricultural heritage, while supporting farmers, promoting sustainability, and strengthening local agricultural production. Across the three festivals, over 18 tonnes of dates and fruits were showcased, with over 23 competitions and more than 465 farmers competing.

The Liwa Date Festival, the first of the three, attracted around 80,000 visitors and featured more than 465 farmers competing across 23 competitions. The Al Ain Date Festival, the second event, brought together 621 contestants across 19 competitions and attracted 74,599 visitors, while the Al Wathba Date Festival concluded the season with 448 contestants participating in 18 competitions and drew over 25,000 visitors.

The festivals provided platforms for farmers to showcase their produce, exchange expertise, and improve fruit quality, while supporting small agricultural enterprises and productive families. Beyond their economic role, the festivals served as community spaces for passing on the UAE's heritage associated with the date palm to future generations through heritage markets, traditional crafts programmes, folk-art performances and interactive activities.