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Abu Dhabi /Â WAM
Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi, is organising the 12th edition of the Liwa Date Festival from July 20-30 in the city of Liwa in Al Gharbia (the Western Region), in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Held on an area stretching over 20,000 square metres, the festival has turned into a major event on the calendar of annual tourist festivals in Al Gharbia region. It is expected to attract between 60,000 and 70,000 visitors, including foreign tourists, who come to enjoy the various activities and discover the different aspects of authentic Emirati heritage.
With a total value of more than AED6 million, 220 prizes will be awarded to winning participants in the various heritage, cultural and art competitions, notably the Mazayna (competitions for the best dates, including different types and varieties), Best Lemons and Best Mangoes, the Fruits of the House competition, the Best Heritage Model competition, and the Model Farm Award.
“The Liwa Date Festival is one of the most significant events organised by the committee with the aim of reinforcing heritage as a starting point to progress towards an honourable and promising future. Such an endeavour ensures a cultural development that celebrates heritage and safeguards popular legacy for generations to come,” said Director of the Liwa Date Festival, Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei.
According to the United Nations, the UAE has succeeded, over the last decades, in planting about 130 million trees, including 22 million palm trees, which constitutes 20 percent of the total number of palm trees in the world. The UAE also occupies a leading position among more than 40 countries as far as the production capacity and export volume are considered.