Al Dhaid Date Festival 2026 to open in Sharjah with auctions, competitions and farmers’ market

The sixth annual Al Dhaid Date Festival is set to commence at Expo Al Dhaid on October 8, uniting UAE farmers, date producers, and palm owners for a four-day celebration of locally produced dates. Organized by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the festival will conclude on October 11 and will showcase premium Emirati date varieties through a dedicated market, alongside auctions offering lucrative prizes.

The event will convene leading date palm growers, agricultural experts, companies, government entities, productive families, and home-based businesses engaged in date cultivation. Expert-led workshops will center on modern agricultural techniques, date palm care, organic farming, and sustainable practices, equipping growers with practical knowledge and exposure to innovative agricultural technologies.

Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director General of SCCI, highlighted the festival's role as a catalyst for economic activity in Sharjah’s central and eastern regions, fostering the development of the agricultural sector and contributing to UAE's sustainable food security ecosystem. The sixth edition of the festival is expected to draw 35,000 visitors, setting a record of Dh2.5 million in sales.

Mohammed Musabeh Al Tunaiji, General Coordinator of the Al Dhaid Date Festival, expressed satisfaction with the preparations for the event, noting the growing participation and visitor turnout over the past five editions. The increased involvement of palm owners from across the UAE has bolstered the festival's role as a platform for exchanging expertise and enhancing agricultural practices.

In addition to its commercial and agricultural program, the festival will feature cultural and artistic activities, as well as traditional folkloric performances, emphasizing the date palm's economic significance and its deep-rooted place in Emirati heritage. The festival's success extends beyond Sharjah, with Abu Dhabi's date festivals attracting 180,000 visitors and 1,500 farmers, further highlighting the region's commitment to celebrating and promoting date cultivation.