ABU DHABI // Theatre performances will be among the new events at this year's Emirates International Date Palm Festival in Abu Dhabi.
An index showcasing the different dates available in the region will be another new addition to the popular event.
The festival, organised by Turret Media with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority and Date Palm Friends Society, will be held from November 26 to December 1 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. It is being hosted with the Salon International de l'Agroalimentaire (International Food Industry Exhibition).
"The festival has several angles - fun, culture and heritage, and business," said Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, the chairman of the festival's organising committee. "We expect more visitors, more business deals and cultural events. It appeals to families, children, businessmen and buyers."
In its sixth year, the event aims to educate visitors about the UAE's rich history of palm trees and dates and provide a business platform. It will showcase 160 exhibitors and offer family entertainment.
There will be 500 varieties of date from 18 countries, plus perfumes, organic dates, date ice cream and ladies' accessories made from palm trees. The date palm theatre, organised with the Abu Dhabi Education Council, will feature plays, dances, competitions and fashion shows by about 50 schools.
Residents will get the rare chance to name and plant their own palm tree, plus there will be a date-tasting area, a tree-climbing competition and a heritage village. Visitors also have the chance to win prizes.
For more information, visit www.datepalmfestival.net.
