H.H. Hazza bin Zayed visits inaugural Al Ain Dates Festival

His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, has visited the inaugural Al Ain Dates Festival, taking place in Al Hili Oasis from January 3-8.

Sheikh Hazza began the tour with a visit to Al Hili Tower and Bin Raeh Tower, where he was briefed on their historical significance and key role in protecting local farms and sustaining the aflaj irrigation system and also toured Al Hili Oasis and learned about its contribution to traditional agriculture and the aflaj irrigation system, highlighting the oasis’s significant importance as a cornerstone of the UAE’s rich heritage.

During his visit, His Highness explored the Photo Archive Exhibition, which documents the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s visionary efforts to cultivate palm trees and advance the UAE’s agricultural sector.

Additionally, he viewed traditional palm-based handcrafts, including ‘surood’ mats for dining, ‘saffa’ baskets for storing dates, the ‘habool’ belt for climbing palm trees, the ‘mahafah’ – a hand fan, and traditional dishes prepared with dates.

His Highness’s tour also extended to the Sararid Heritage Passage, where he was briefed on its design, which seamlessly blends authentic Emirati heritage with artisanal craftsmanship, reflecting the UAE’s deep-rooted cultural identity.

Concluding the visit, His Highness attended part of the traditional dates mazayna and auction competitions, where His Highness was briefed on the competition process.

Sheikh Hazza expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in championing heritage initiatives that preserve the nation’s cultural identity and further advance the sustainability of the agricultural sector.

He underscored the significance of the inaugural Al Ain Dates Festival as a platform for promoting agricultural knowledge and celebrating the historical importance of the palm tree - a cornerstone of Emirati heritage.

The Al Ain Dates Festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.