The Al Dhaid Date Festival opened this week at Expo Al Dhaid, and the whole place came to life. The scent of fresh dates hung in the air as families wandered through colorful stalls. Farmers proudly shared their best harvest, and children soaked up the sights, sounds, and traditions around them.
A Celebration Rooted in Tradition
Running from July 23 to 27, the festival is now in its ninth year. It has become a beloved tradition for people across Al Dhaid Sharjah. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it celebrates not just dates, but the entire way of life around them.
This year’s event is bigger than ever. More than 130 competitions are giving local growers a platform to shine—from the sweetest figs and lemons to rare varieties of dates like Khalas and Khneizi. Special contests for women and children have brought a warm, family feel to the whole affair. One of the most heartwarming moments came during the “Ratb Al Kharaif Beauty” competition, where kids proudly showed off their homegrown dates.
At the heart of it all, Expo Al Dhaid feels more like a living farm than a venue. Stalls brim with fresh dates, local honey, and farming tools—old and new. But it’s not just about buying. Workshops draw in young farmers eager to learn smarter ways to grow. It’s hands-on, real, and full of life.
The festival has also become a source of pride for the people of Al Dhaid. As one farmer from Al Dhaid Sharjah put it, “It’s not just about selling dates—it’s about keeping our culture alive and passing it on to our children.” That spirit is everywhere—from the heritage crafts on display to the folk music echoing through the exhibition halls.
Leaders from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry say events like this play a key role in building food security and supporting small-scale farmers. They see Al Dhaid not just as a festival spot, but as a vital hub for agricultural innovation.
And they’re right. Each year, the festival grows—in size, in excitement, and in meaning. It’s not just an event. It’s a celebration of community, of history, and of the Emirati bond with the land.
With just a few days left, there’s still time to catch the magic. And if you’re in Al Dhaid Sharjah, there’s really no better place to feel the pulse of the region than the lively, fragrant lanes of the Al Dhaid Date Festival.
