Under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, the inaugural Al Ain Rutab Festival opened on Saturday at Al Soroaj Park in Al Ain. The event, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, will run until July 31.

The festival marks the next phase of the Authority’s Rutab Season, launching shortly after the conclusion of the 22nd Liwa Date Festival last Thursday. This year’s focus moves to the historic oases of Al Ain, a region renowned for producing some of the United Arab Emirates’ finest fresh dates.

The initiative aims to promote the emirate’s diverse agricultural regions and their respective harvest periods. By spotlighting these areas, organisers hope to create enhanced marketing opportunities for local farmers, sustain the agricultural sector, and honour the longstanding relationship between Emiratis and the date palm. The date palm has historically been a vital component of the country’s economy, culture, and daily life.

The festival includes 19 competitions featuring a total of 245 prizes valued at over 5 million dirhams. Contest categories cover a broad range of fresh date varieties such as Khalas, Barhi, Buma’an, Kheneizi, Shishi, and Zamli. Additional competitions will be held for elite classifications, including awards for the largest date bunch, home harvest, the most beautiful date harvest basket, and creative works crafted from date palm trunks.

Beyond date palm products, the festival also hosts contests for other locally grown fruits, including mangoes, lemons, and figs. This aspect of the event highlights Al Ain’s agricultural biodiversity and seeks to encourage farmers to enhance both the quality and production volume of their crops.

As the festival progresses, it is expected to draw significant attention to Al Ain’s agricultural heritage, reinforcing the importance of traditional farming practices while supporting modern agricultural development in the region.