Al Wathba Food Festival Concludes, Championing UAE's Agricultural Prowess and Culinary Heritage
The vibrant Al Wathba Food Festival has successfully concluded, reinforcing its status as a cornerstone national initiative dedicated to bolstering food security and championing the diverse bounty of the UAE's agricultural sector. This significant event, held as an integral part of the fourth iteration of the prestigious Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, served as a prominent showcase for the exceptional quality of produce cultivated within the Emirates, while simultaneously celebrating the rich tapestry of Emirati culinary traditions.
Organised under the auspices of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the festival played a pivotal role in deepening the integration of locally sourced products into the nation's broader food ecosystem. A key objective was to actively encourage consumers to prioritise and opt for UAE-grown produce, thereby fostering a stronger domestic market. Furthermore, the event provided an invaluable platform for farmers, livestock breeders, and innovative home-based businesses to exhibit their latest food innovations and demonstrate the remarkable diversity of authentic Emirati dishes.
The organising committee highlighted the festival's evolution into a highly anticipated annual gathering. It consistently reaffirms Abu Dhabi's strategic position as a leading regional hub for food and agriculture, driven by a commitment to knowledge-driven advancements and continuous innovation. This year's festival particularly shone a spotlight on successful local production models, acknowledging the diligent efforts of farmers and home-based producers, and underscoring the sector's impressive trajectory of rapid development.
A notable aspect of this year's festival was the robust and enthusiastic participation from Emirati women and youth. These dynamic groups played a crucial role in the preservation of cherished culinary traditions, simultaneously introducing younger generations to the authentic flavours and preparations that define Emirati cuisine. Individuals of Determination and a burgeoning number of home-based businesses also made significant contributions, presenting a spectrum of creative products and reinforcing their vital role in the nation's pursuit of sustainable development and economic inclusivity.
The festival witnessed an impressive scale of engagement, recording over 600 participations. This figure included more than 95 applications for shop stalls and over 430 entries submitted across various competitions. A total of 140 contestants vied for honours, with 80 distinguished winners being announced across a multitude of categories. Fourteen distinct competitions were meticulously organised, offering a substantial prize pool totalling AED362,000. Beyond the competitive spirit, attendees were treated to a rich array of family-friendly activities, alongside captivating displays of fresh vegetables, premium dates, value-added agricultural products, and an assortment of traditional Emirati foods.
Kinnah Saeed Al Maskari, a distinguished member of the Higher Committee for the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award and the esteemed Chairperson of the Al Wathba Food Festival, articulated the event's profound significance. She stated that the festival serves as a tangible reflection of the UAE's unwavering commitment to enhancing national food security and providing robust support for domestic agricultural production. Al Maskari further emphasised that the active participation of national talents, particularly women, youth, and home-based producers, powerfully demonstrates their considerable capabilities in generating added value within the agricultural and food sectors.
She extended a warm invitation to farmers, livestock breeders, and all professionals within the food sector to consider participating in the main Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award. She encouraged them to actively explore upcoming festivals and competitions by visiting the Award’s official website. Al Maskari stressed that such active engagement is instrumental in strengthening the market presence of local products and significantly contributes to the attainment of the UAE's overarching national sustainability goals.
Complementing the food festival, the Al Wathba Livestock Festival is set to continue its run until February 14th. This event is an integral component of the broader programme orchestrated by the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award. Its overarching mission is to provide comprehensive support to farmers and breeders, cultivate an environment that fosters innovation, and ultimately enhance the quality and quantity of agricultural and food production across the entire United Arab Emirates.
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