![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2IGR7Z72SFGNTFV6YB4KEJNCTM.jpg?smart=true&auth=f452f550227469f2feed267f363122cc54f5e5751c78c18552b44c5f0d09776b&width=400&height=225)
Visitors can enter the festival free of charge
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GRI7BBSSTFBU3I7JEH7XGIX2R4.jpg?smart=true&auth=4ef229aa3a80a680f4e48ebfe279e8c8ad244022ebadfe0889c9a38307aaa270&width=400&height=225)
The Alamri sisters, Mira, 6, and Maha, 7, at the Liwa Date Festival. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OAXH3JEKINE55IFHNPKAOKYBNY.jpg?smart=true&auth=43e37f041400def2dc2657ad44d6deef57cf7548db3eff70e0d8e37ac43fe764&width=400&height=225)
The event celebrates the UAE's tradition of growing dates
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6JPLUYR6PNHBLDR6JYB4XQWDNA.jpg?smart=true&auth=2097d617eda29687cc0dc18623da15aeed342b4ed76e546d9f5d12a6cb0086ea&width=400&height=225)
Thousands of farmers come to the festival to display their dates
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QL7U5HANTFB63I5UG734GOIPFQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=692b500090f3bc83eee5b61d290feae55218d92108f6708d12746fd38dbada97&width=400&height=225)
Judges select the best dates to award farmers with prizes that this year are worth a collective Dh8 million
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TA774VLZINCPJL4L2R4FRVRRJI.jpg?smart=true&auth=51c9726566c0986f08692e1daf8710a6bd6c84d82a13b3d6d902d4706667f5ac&width=400&height=225)
At the festival's pop-up market visitors can shop for date products and other items from Emirati culture
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JANICSVC4NCN5ADYRVK4J7OG7E.jpg?smart=true&auth=7554e04d3e8c789bea55293a5966f0089581a180e8e6a19c4d819b90206332f6&width=400&height=225)
Dates are also auctioned at the festival
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XFMZLJICANFYTDYFN7CNC7TBDU.jpg?smart=true&auth=c424793908aad7bfa97b90f8109a4b87b49987c0ee06ed610f3a42fd4eba1136&width=400&height=225)
The festival site in Liwa, Al Dhafra, is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Abu Dhabi and about three and a half hours from Dubai
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X6VCTRVM7FEVJB3Z2ZG6GKEDKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=c437fd53f65287e6993bf4872396ac750242f4c174f429774995dcb4f90b7d21&width=400&height=225)
Emirati heritage is celebrated with performances of traditional music at the festival
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HWHVWJWSINH6VPIMKZGPXJZJCM.jpg?smart=true&auth=fa7921fd2d5868fdbe062e38dc1d3cc468362c1278db9ea3fefee38e42ba0bc8&width=400&height=225)
Visitors can attend poetry readings and music classes at the event
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QJ5GNYH42VHRNPSGMDNVYYLCGI.jpg?smart=true&auth=e461d61b16ba066510715f478b7cdc322e9cd2e6faaecd7d8e540d9e83cc1346&width=400&height=225)
Henna decorations are popular at the festival, as are other culturally enriching activities
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IEHH6YWIEVHAVP6OEW3IKX6TDQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=7d200be822281d646e6bc15e625521f7f4087996e1702da97762fb3c458ea229&width=400&height=225)
The event has doll-making and handicraft workshops for visitors
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BAZ54EMRQ5COHAGKICACSI47VQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=636711ad7bbb235e4c012940fb8ca41fdea0fa064093225116250a5b82189513&width=400&height=225)
The festival includes a cultural diorama competition, showcasing miniature camels, goats and tents
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MJLPE6WXXVCK7LYHQX3FA6BJP4.jpg?smart=true&auth=87a3a8ddfbe86446c48d8b2e00e9e2847fae522160f4259d9f7e413807c78aa4&width=400&height=225)
A competitor sets up his diorama
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/F25SQKPBQJBADDXPZEUR7OCH4Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=20b6aad1b2c1cbc1977a99a7521398111dd95affb2f3015223d9ac89e694aadd&width=400&height=225)
Emirati weaving uses the 'safeefah' technique – palm leaves are dried and woven together to create baskets, mats, rugs boxes, bags and other items
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RHM2WRFWORFL5M3ISGZEEGBBSE.jpg?smart=true&auth=566b5c2ae69e82635005bc316c4cb1a65dbc254ba0b6473aeb8a51a9a7b7cc4e&width=400&height=225)
The festival is intended to be a culturally enriching experience for visitors
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CLEHLH6FSZFTJK3B5BJ5RCNRSU.jpg?smart=true&auth=86f482e94c78038b63c5075e687163b35de4fb24013e36a97c722068cc2a7a2b&width=400&height=225)
Bin Hathbour sets up his display of old model dhow boats, pearls, wooden clogs and other Emirati traditional items
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/S6Y7YEVJOBGGVET6QKX35CBACI.jpg?smart=true&auth=28f818393acbe99c1cdf5376af520de16abb98d1543cca7a5f75476add2d6f0a&width=400&height=225)
The Bin Hathbour display is a regular feature at the Liwa Dates Festival
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TGD4ES5C5NA3VBHL6H3BP3W7J4.jpg?smart=true&auth=f382db04d4bf2392e48de6820d9be1edfe98cf94a04b20052860258885ffa9dc&width=400&height=225)
Arusa dolls made by Hanadi Ahanadi
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WTBC5NKT7FGTDD5T674Y7JM334.jpg?smart=true&auth=a8498972c17a9de06e872bcc8418896d0ce88761ebf96a84f4010b6151f91a82&width=400&height=225)
The event opened on Monday and will run until July 30
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IQ35JT4OTVGPVCLSEZBIKYUFFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=fac875bc95ca91641d206f8923bbe0c8e37676acc176b94736d21bc53ad7a149&width=400&height=225)
Young jiu-jitsu competitors arrive at the festival
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2IGR7Z72SFGNTFV6YB4KEJNCTM.jpg?smart=true&auth=f452f550227469f2feed267f363122cc54f5e5751c78c18552b44c5f0d09776b&width=400&height=225)
Visitors can enter the festival free of charge
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GRI7BBSSTFBU3I7JEH7XGIX2R4.jpg?smart=true&auth=4ef229aa3a80a680f4e48ebfe279e8c8ad244022ebadfe0889c9a38307aaa270&width=400&height=225)
The Alamri sisters, Mira, 6, and Maha, 7, at the Liwa Date Festival. All photos: Victor Besa / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OAXH3JEKINE55IFHNPKAOKYBNY.jpg?smart=true&auth=43e37f041400def2dc2657ad44d6deef57cf7548db3eff70e0d8e37ac43fe764&width=400&height=225)
The event celebrates the UAE's tradition of growing dates
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6JPLUYR6PNHBLDR6JYB4XQWDNA.jpg?smart=true&auth=2097d617eda29687cc0dc18623da15aeed342b4ed76e546d9f5d12a6cb0086ea&width=400&height=225)
Thousands of farmers come to the festival to display their dates
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QL7U5HANTFB63I5UG734GOIPFQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=692b500090f3bc83eee5b61d290feae55218d92108f6708d12746fd38dbada97&width=400&height=225)
Judges select the best dates to award farmers with prizes that this year are worth a collective Dh8 million
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TA774VLZINCPJL4L2R4FRVRRJI.jpg?smart=true&auth=51c9726566c0986f08692e1daf8710a6bd6c84d82a13b3d6d902d4706667f5ac&width=400&height=225)
At the festival's pop-up market visitors can shop for date products and other items from Emirati culture
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JANICSVC4NCN5ADYRVK4J7OG7E.jpg?smart=true&auth=7554e04d3e8c789bea55293a5966f0089581a180e8e6a19c4d819b90206332f6&width=400&height=225)
Dates are also auctioned at the festival
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XFMZLJICANFYTDYFN7CNC7TBDU.jpg?smart=true&auth=c424793908aad7bfa97b90f8109a4b87b49987c0ee06ed610f3a42fd4eba1136&width=400&height=225)
The festival site in Liwa, Al Dhafra, is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Abu Dhabi and about three and a half hours from Dubai
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X6VCTRVM7FEVJB3Z2ZG6GKEDKY.jpg?smart=true&auth=c437fd53f65287e6993bf4872396ac750242f4c174f429774995dcb4f90b7d21&width=400&height=225)
Emirati heritage is celebrated with performances of traditional music at the festival
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HWHVWJWSINH6VPIMKZGPXJZJCM.jpg?smart=true&auth=fa7921fd2d5868fdbe062e38dc1d3cc468362c1278db9ea3fefee38e42ba0bc8&width=400&height=225)
Visitors can attend poetry readings and music classes at the event
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QJ5GNYH42VHRNPSGMDNVYYLCGI.jpg?smart=true&auth=e461d61b16ba066510715f478b7cdc322e9cd2e6faaecd7d8e540d9e83cc1346&width=400&height=225)
Henna decorations are popular at the festival, as are other culturally enriching activities
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IEHH6YWIEVHAVP6OEW3IKX6TDQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=7d200be822281d646e6bc15e625521f7f4087996e1702da97762fb3c458ea229&width=400&height=225)
The event has doll-making and handicraft workshops for visitors
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BAZ54EMRQ5COHAGKICACSI47VQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=636711ad7bbb235e4c012940fb8ca41fdea0fa064093225116250a5b82189513&width=400&height=225)
The festival includes a cultural diorama competition, showcasing miniature camels, goats and tents
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MJLPE6WXXVCK7LYHQX3FA6BJP4.jpg?smart=true&auth=87a3a8ddfbe86446c48d8b2e00e9e2847fae522160f4259d9f7e413807c78aa4&width=400&height=225)
A competitor sets up his diorama
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/F25SQKPBQJBADDXPZEUR7OCH4Y.jpg?smart=true&auth=20b6aad1b2c1cbc1977a99a7521398111dd95affb2f3015223d9ac89e694aadd&width=400&height=225)
Emirati weaving uses the 'safeefah' technique – palm leaves are dried and woven together to create baskets, mats, rugs boxes, bags and other items
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RHM2WRFWORFL5M3ISGZEEGBBSE.jpg?smart=true&auth=566b5c2ae69e82635005bc316c4cb1a65dbc254ba0b6473aeb8a51a9a7b7cc4e&width=400&height=225)
The festival is intended to be a culturally enriching experience for visitors
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CLEHLH6FSZFTJK3B5BJ5RCNRSU.jpg?smart=true&auth=86f482e94c78038b63c5075e687163b35de4fb24013e36a97c722068cc2a7a2b&width=400&height=225)
Bin Hathbour sets up his display of old model dhow boats, pearls, wooden clogs and other Emirati traditional items
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/S6Y7YEVJOBGGVET6QKX35CBACI.jpg?smart=true&auth=28f818393acbe99c1cdf5376af520de16abb98d1543cca7a5f75476add2d6f0a&width=400&height=225)
The Bin Hathbour display is a regular feature at the Liwa Dates Festival
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TGD4ES5C5NA3VBHL6H3BP3W7J4.jpg?smart=true&auth=f382db04d4bf2392e48de6820d9be1edfe98cf94a04b20052860258885ffa9dc&width=400&height=225)
Arusa dolls made by Hanadi Ahanadi
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WTBC5NKT7FGTDD5T674Y7JM334.jpg?smart=true&auth=a8498972c17a9de06e872bcc8418896d0ce88761ebf96a84f4010b6151f91a82&width=400&height=225)
The event opened on Monday and will run until July 30
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IQ35JT4OTVGPVCLSEZBIKYUFFM.jpg?smart=true&auth=fac875bc95ca91641d206f8923bbe0c8e37676acc176b94736d21bc53ad7a149&width=400&height=225)
Young jiu-jitsu competitors arrive at the festival
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2IGR7Z72SFGNTFV6YB4KEJNCTM.jpg?smart=true&auth=f452f550227469f2feed267f363122cc54f5e5751c78c18552b44c5f0d09776b&width=400&height=225)
Visitors can enter the festival free of charge
Photo essay: UAE's Liwa Date Festival celebrates 19th year
Dh8 million in prizes will be awarded to farmers who produce the best dates
Ferris Elaraby
21 July, 2023
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