The Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah has officially opened a beauty contest for dates in his home emirate.
The Mazyna exhibition, organised by Muftah Al Khateri, was declared open by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, on Thursday.
Sheikh Saud took the opportunity to reaffirm the UAE’s support for date farmers.
He commented on how they played a key role in the country’s effort to achieve food security and diversify the agricultural sector.
“The date palm is a blessing and holds special value in the popular and cultural legacy of the UAE,” he said.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the founding father of the UAE, had always paid special care and attention to the date palm, added Sheikh Saud.
Summer is the season to celebrate dates in the UAE. The 15th annual Liwa Date Festival began on Wednesday in the Abu Dhabi desert. It runs until July 26.
Know your UAE date
In pictures - Liwa Date Festival 2019
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UAE men drink Arabian coffee at Al Dabbas competition on the first day of the Liwa Dates Festival. EPA -
Judges discuss about heaviest Etheg (branch of dates) at Al Dabbas competition. EPA -
Judges inspect baskets of dates on Wednesday. EPA -
Judges inspect baskets of dates during the Al Dabbas competition on the first day of the Liwa Dates Festival. EPA -
Judges inspect baskets of dates. EPA -
Obaid Khalfan Al Nazroui (2-L) Director Of Liwa Dates Festival, attends the first day of the festival. EPA -
Emirati dancers perform a traditional folklore dance on the opening day of the Liwa Date Festival. EPA -
Baskets of dates are laid out for judging as part of the Al Dabbas competition on the first day of the Liwa Dates Festival. EPA -
Emirati dancers perform a traditional folklore dance on the opening day of the Liwa Date Festival. EPA -
Judges inspect baskets of dates during the Al Dabbas competition on the first day of the Liwa Dates Festival. EPA
