Tourism

The 10th edition of the Liwa Ajman Dates and Honey Festival successfully concluded at the Emirates Hospitality Center, wrapping up a five-day event held from July 30 to August 3. Organized by the Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, the festival highlighted the UAE’s deep-rooted agricultural and cultural traditions.

This year’s edition witnessed wide Gulf and Arab participation, with strong representation from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt, along with active involvement from both government and private entities. The event underscored the festival’s reputation as a key regional platform for celebrating heritage production and promoting cultural exchange among Arab nations.

The festival featured a vibrant mix of artistic performances, cultural competitions, and educational workshops tailored to all age groups. Highlights included sessions on palm cultivation, beekeeping techniques, and traditional handicrafts, as well as a dedicated children’s area for artistic and educational activities.

In his remarks, H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director-General of ADTD, emphasized the festival’s role in preserving Emirati identity.

“In its tenth year and with its remarkable success today, the Liwa Ajman Dates and Honey Festival proves its importance as a cultural platform that consolidates the local heritage and supports farmers, beekeepers and local project owners, strengthening the emirate’s position as a prominent destination for traditional events,” he stated.

Alhashmi also noted the department’s commitment to diversifying the festival’s content annually to encourage broad community engagement and intergenerational cultural transmission.

The festival hosted several standout workshops, such as palm trunk drawing, Suroud decoration, medal weaving, diamond coloring, and Al Jafeer crafts. In addition, daily auctions for dates, honey, and traditional artefacts were conducted, with part of the proceeds allocated to charitable causes.

Competitions were held in categories such as Dates, Honey, Citrus, and Fruits, with participants representing the Emirates of Ajman, North Emirates, and other regions. Date varieties included Khalas, Berhi, Lulu, Khenaizy, and Ajman Palms, while honey entries featured Sumar, Crystallized, Sidr, Beeswax, and more. Fruit entries included lemon, mango, almond, fig, and other citrus fruits.

The 2025 edition attracted 61 exhibitors from across the UAE, including farmers, beekeepers, entrepreneurs, and representatives from key institutions, reinforcing Ajman's identity as a guardian of heritage and a rising hub for cultural and agro-tourism.

The Liwa Ajman Dates and Honey Festival continues to enhance Ajman's profile as a leading regional destination, promoting sustainable practices, celebrating traditional craftsmanship, and strengthening the emirate’s cultural and tourism sectors.

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