Exploring heritage and agriculture at the Liwa Ajman Dates and Honey Festival 2024

The Liwa Ajman Dates and Honey Festival, now in its ninth edition, has become a much-anticipated event, celebrating the rich agricultural and cultural heritage of the UAE. Since its inception in 2011, the festival has grown significantly, attracting participants and visitors from across the region. This year’s festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, and Chairman of Ajman Executive Council, and with the support of Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, promises to be more exciting than ever.

In this exclusive interview His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of Ajman Department of Tourism Development talks to Aviamost Magazine about the festival's evolution, its primary objectives, and the myriad of activities and innovations planned for this year. From educational workshops and cultural events to new, the festival offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and preserve the UAE's heritage while supporting local farmers and producers. Join us as we delve into the details of what makes the Liwa Ajman Dates and Honey Festival a cornerstone of cultural celebration and agricultural promotion in the UAE.

This year's Liwa Ajman Dates and Honey Festival promises to be more exciting than ever. Can you tell us about the diverse contributions from different countries and what visitors can expect?

This year, we have additional and diverse contributions from Saudi Arabia, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Sultanate of Oman, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The festival is a unique opportunity to introduce the new generation to our cultural heritage and the field of agriculture. While we focus on agriculture, we have a variety of activities planned, including cultural and entertainment events, educational workshops focused on young children, and special workshops for kids. Our goal is to educate the new generation about the UAE's heritage.

It sounds like there's a lot to look forward to. What specific activities are planned to engage children and young people?

Some of our workshops teach children farming methods by Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, awareness workshops for kids by Ministry of Community Development, and crafts workshops by Sharjah Museums represented by Sharjah Fort (AlHisn), Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Sharjah International Museum, Bait Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qasimi, Bait Al Naboodah, and Hisn Khorfakkan. In addition to Katuri Team (children characters) and several artists, we also have cultural workshops where children can learn about traditional crafts. We're focusing on making these activities engaging and educational to ensure the new generation understands and appreciates our agricultural and cultural heritage.

How has the festival evolved since its inception in 2011?

The Liwa Ajman Dates and Honey Festival has seen significant development since its launch in 2011. It has become a main platform for showcasing and promoting local products of dates and honey. The ninth edition of the festival, which started on Wednesday, July 24, was attended and sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, and Chairman of Ajman Executive Council, with the presence and support of His Highness Sheikh AbdulAziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development. This year, we introduced new elements in all sections, creating an exceptional experience for visitors, and we have more than 56 exhibitors, including farmers, beekeepers, and SMEs.

How does the festival contribute to preserving heritage and supporting local farmers and producers?

Preserving Heritage: The festival raises awareness of Emirati values and customs through activities and educational workshops for both children and adults, helping to pass this heritage to future generations.

Supporting Local Farmers and Producers: We provide a platform for farmers and beekeepers to showcase and sell their products. We also organize competitions like the Date Contest, Honey Contest, and Fruit and Citrus Contest, which encourage the improvement of local product quality and competitiveness.

Innovations: In the ninth edition, we launched a new category, "Ajman Palm," targeting Ajman residents who own palm trees in their homes, promoting interest in agriculture and the sustainability of agricultural products. Additionally, the Ajman Department of Tourism Development launched "Ajman Store" to display and sell Ajman-specific souvenirs, enhancing local tourism.

It sounds like a comprehensive event with something for everyone. Can you tell us more about the competitions and prizes?

The festival features competitive contests, including the best dates competition with various categories, citrus fruit competitions, and contests for other fruits like mango, almond, and lemon baskets. Honey competitions will also be held, covering categories such as Sidr honey, Samr honey, crystallized honey, and honeycomb honey. Winners from Ajman, the Northern Emirates, and other Emirates will receive valuable prizes, totalling AED 500,000.

This festival seems to offer a rich experience for all attendees. How do you ensure it remains engaging and educational for all age groups?

We have designed the festival to cater to all age groups and interests. Our educational and cultural workshops, in collaboration with our partners, aim to raise awareness among children about Emirati values and customs. The diverse range of activities ensures there is something for everyone, making it a family-friendly event that celebrates our heritage and supports our local farmers and producers.

Thank you for sharing these insights. The Liwa Ajman Dates and Honey Festival sounds like a wonderful celebration of culture and community.

Thank you! We look forward to welcoming everyone to the festival and sharing our rich heritage and agricultural traditions with all visitors.