Liwa Rutab Festival Returns This July with AED 8 Million in Prizes & Heritage Experiences
The annual Liwa Rutab Festival is set to return to Al Dhafra Region from 14 to 23 July, bringing together farmers, families, heritage enthusiasts and visitors for one of the UAE’s biggest celebrations of the date harvest season.
Now in its 22nd edition, the festival will take place in Liwa City under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, this year’s event will feature 23 competitions, 295 prizes and a prize pool exceeding AED 8 million.
More than just an agricultural event, the festival celebrates the deep cultural significance of the palm tree in Emirati heritage while highlighting the importance of sustainable farming and locally grown produce.
Visitors can explore a vibrant rutab and agricultural market, browse a traditional heritage souq, discover handcrafted products at the traditional crafts corner, enjoy folk performances, family-friendly entertainment, educational workshops and awareness sessions, alongside exhibitions hosted by government entities, private organisations and strategic partners.
At the heart of the festival are the competitions, which recognise excellence in date cultivation and agricultural innovation. This year’s programme includes 11 rutab competitions, seven fruit competitions, three model farm competitions covering the Eastern and Western Mahadir of Al Dhafra and Al Dhafra cities, as well as the Best Rutab Basket Competition and the Palm Trunk Creativity Competition.
One of the newest additions this year is the Kharayef Al Bayt (Home Harvest) Competition, introduced under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region. The initiative encourages families to grow and care for date palms at home, helping strengthen the connection between younger generations and one of the UAE’s most enduring symbols of heritage and generosity.
The festival also continues to support local farmers by encouraging best agricultural practices, improving the quality of Emirati dates and promoting environmental sustainability in line with the UAE’s food security ambitions. Competition entries will be judged against clear technical and quality standards to ensure fairness and transparency across all categories.
To make participation easier, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority has introduced online registration for all competitions through the Falak Al Namoos smart application, allowing participants to register, track applications, access competition regulations, view schedules and receive the latest festival updates.
Whether you’re interested in Emirati heritage, local produce or simply looking for a unique family day out, the Liwa Rutab Festival offers an authentic celebration of one of the UAE’s oldest traditions in the heart of Al Dhafra.
Dates: 14 – 23 July 2026
Location: Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region
Official website: https://www.adha.gov.ae
Keywords: Liwa Rutab Festival, Liwa Rutab Festival 2026, Al Dhafra events, Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, things to do in Abu Dhabi, Liwa Festival, date festival UAE, rutab festival, Emirati heritage, UAE culture, Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region, palm tree UAE, UAE farming, agricultural festivals UAE, food security UAE, Falak Al Namoos, traditional markets Abu Dhabi, heritage festivals UAE, family activities Abu Dhabi, summer events UAE, Emirati traditions, date farming UAE, local produce UAE, Abu Dhabi events July 2026, UAE festivals, cultural events Abu Dhabi, Liwa attractions, heritage tourism UAE
