US ambassador visits Liwa Date Festival
- Last updated: July 21, 2025 | 11:26
Martina Strong, Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Arab Emirates, praised the 21st Liwa Date Festival, currently taking place in Al Dhafra Region.
During her visit to the festival, Ambassador Strong expressed her deep admiration for the distinguished event, which offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore dates and the diverse products derived from the palm tree.
She noted that the experience provided her with valuable insight into traditional crafts and local cuisine.
Strong also commended the rich educational content presented by the organisers and their tremendous efforts in hosting such diverse heritage festivals.
These events, she emphasised, offer an authentic window into the UAE’s vibrant cultural heritage, blending the past with the present.
As part of her tour, the US Ambassador viewed several pavilions in the date and fruit beauty competitions.
The 2025 Liwa Date Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, has welcomed 50,225 visitors during its first five days.
The 21st edition of the festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, continues until 27th July in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region.
The Liwa Date Festival is one of the UAE’s most significant platforms celebrating palm heritage and traditional agriculture.
It is an annual event eagerly awaited by farmers and the wider community due to its vital support for the agricultural sector and food security.
The festival features 24 competitions with a total of 308 prizes valued at Dhs8.735 million, in addition to stage competitions designed for visitors.
The event reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to preserving and transmitting heritage across generations while celebrating the date harvest season and the palm tree, a deeply rooted cultural and social symbol in Emirati heritage.
The festival also attracts visitors and tourists from across the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council, offering a traditional and interactive atmosphere that supports farmers and provides engaging experiences for families and attendees.
WAM