Emirates International Date Palm Festival Circa 2012

 

For several years this was the official website promoting the Emirates International Date Palm Festival.
Content is from the site's 2011- 2013 archived pages. Images are from the 2011-2013 festivals.
The current site for the festival is found at: http://www.abudhabidatepalm.com/



2011 Opening of Festival

His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan Opens Emirates International Date Palm Festival

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 21 November 2011: Emirates International Date Palm Festival was officially inaugurated today by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Their Excellencies Saqr Al Ghobash, Minister of Labour; Rashid Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment; Azuldin Abdullah Hussein, Minister of Agriculture in Iraq; Rashid Al Shariqi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority; Jamal Al Majid, Al Majid Group; and a number of senior officials attended the opening ceremony.

The VIP delegation toured the festival area, and were joined by ambassadors from UK, Turkey, Iran, Argentina, Pakistan and Italy.

Emirates International Date Palm Festival aims at celebrating the heritage and culture of the date palm with an exciting line-up of features, which includes Date Tree Planting, Cooking Area, Al Ain Dairy Kid Zone, Date Tree Climbing competition, Date Palm Photo Competition, and Date Tasting.

The event also aims at facilitating a business platform for the date industry. Date manufacturers can further expand their presence in potential markets and increase sales directly with the UAE consumer base. More than 200 exhibitors, in addition to national pavilions from UAE, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Jordan will join forces to stage a remarkable display of date varieties

Emirates International Date Palm Festival aims at celebrating the heritage and culture of the date palm with an exciting line-up of features, which includes Date Tree Planting, Cooking Area, Al Ain Dairy Kid Zone, Date Tree Climbing competition, Date Palm Photo Competition, and Date Tasting.
 

 

2012

Emirates International Date Palm Festival is Back!

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Executive Board of the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.

A 6 day celebration of UAE culture and heritage. Join us at the Emirates International Date Palm Festival!

If you like dates and appreciate local heritage do not miss the Emirates International Date Palm Festival scheduled to take place from Monday November 26 to Saturday December 1.

Over 200 exhibitors from 17 countries including United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco,  Iraq, China, Italy, United States and Germany, besides first-time participants from Iran are expected to bring 500 different varieties of dates
for you to try and buy at the festival.

The festival celebrates the culture, tradition and heritage of the date fruit and the countries that produce it right across the world. Discover the age-old traditions of this treasured super fruit through exciting features dedicated to art, performance, cookery, tree planting, climbing and best of all, tasting.

Start planning your visit to the festival…

• Discover the lifestyle and traditions of Emiratis in the Heritage Village

• Enjoy a lively mix of dances and cultural activities in the Date Palm Theatre

• Learn how to make delicious date recipes from leading chefs in the Cooking area

• Keep the children happy in the Kids Zone

• Buy and plant your own Date Palm Tree

• Sample and taste dates from all over the world in our dedicated Date Tasting area

• Participate in our adventurous Date Palm Tree Climbing Competition

• See the beautiful date palm at its best in the Photo gallery

About The Festival

The first Emirates International Date Palm Festival edition delivered a fantastic display of date varieties, culture, history and tradition.

Once again this year, the festival opens its doors to a wider community of date-lovers including customers and trade buyers.

Born to the Arabian Peninsula the Date Palm is a nutritious fruit able to withstand the harsh climatic conditions of the desert. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation, world date production is in excess of six million tons per year. Popular not only in the Arabic regions – the Coachella Valley of California, USA is also a celebrated date district running annual festivals alongside performances and concerts attracting thousands of visitors.

In 2009 the UAE was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records for growing the largest number of date palm trees among the countries of the world with 42 million trees.

Jenny Karampoki, Guinness records manager presented the prestigious award to Sheikh Nahyan Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, President of the trustees of the Khalifa International Date Palm Awards, a namesake of the UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Dates play an important role in the healthy lives of Emiratis, symbolising both culture and history for the local community and reminiscent of the Bedouin tribes survival on a staple diet of camel’s milk, meat and the nutritious super-fruit.

Quoting from a famous tribal saying “Sih wa al-libni huwwa sahhat al-Badni. In kanak imkathabni hatuh wa jaribni.” which translated declares “Dates and milk are best for health. If you are in doubt, give them to me then try my strength.”

The country’s plans to promote agricultural growth, particularly in date palms, had been initiated and pursued by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for more than half a century. The current president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan, had followed his example by doubling areas of date palm cultivation, fighting desertification, expanding the green cover and encouraging date-based industries. The date palm is now a significant source of income. The UAE’s date industry is recognised as one of the biggest in the region, although there is still much room for expansion.

Essential Information

Ticket Price:

AED 10
- Includes entry into the festival, access to the features


Timings

Emirates International Date Palm Festival will take place on the
following timings across 6 days:

Monday 26 November – 10.00am – 10.00pm

Tuesday 27 November – 10.00am – 10.00pm

Wednesday 28 November – 10.00am – 10.00pm

Thursday 29 November – 10.00am – 10.00pm

Friday 30 November – 2.00pm – 10.00pm

Saturday 1 December – 2.00pm – 10.00pm

 

 

Features

Heritage Village

Life in the UAE has transformed drastically since the nation’s birth 39 years ago, but the pride with which heritage and culture is respected is unparalleled. To this day, the traditions of the Bedouin are revered and even reflected in our modern way of living.

At the Heritage Village, visitors will get a chance to discover life in the Emirates from the days gone by, experience some of the fascinating traditions of the desert and learn about the rich culture of the Emirati people. The Heritage Village is one of the most popular features of the Festival and is the crown jewel of the entire experience.

Two of the most important aspects of a Bedouin’s life are the camel and the falcon. Both magnificent creatures reflect the nation’s ambitions for perseverance and progression, and have cemented their place as a fundamental of Emirati heritage.

Visitors will also have the chance to participate in lots of fun activities, such as traditional handicraft demonstrations, authentic Emirati games such as ‘Al Meryeihana’, preparation of traditional sweets and drinks, a live falconry display and photo opportunities with real life camels from the desert.

 

Date Planting

Few of us leave behind legacies that will be remembered forever, but at the festival everyone will get a chance to leave behind a contribution to the nation. The ‘Plant Your Own Palm Tree’ area is one of the most sought after fixtures at the Festival, where visitors will get a rare opportunity to plant the seeds for their very own palm tree and get a quick lesson in how to care for a date palm.

After laying the seeds in the exhibition field, each planted tree will hold the name of the visitor who planted it. At the end of the exhibition, all trees will be relocated to the heart of Abu Dhabi to flourish the green landscape and continue the vision of the nation’s leaders for a beautiful city.

 
 

Date Palm Theatre

Undoubtedly one of the biggest hits at last year’s Festival, the Date Palm Theatre returns this year with even more performances and shows. The Date Palm Theatre is a major attraction for locals, with students taking part in plays, dances, competitions and fashion shows in the both in the morning and the afternoon. If last year’s numbers are anything to go by, the Date Palm Theatre will include over 140 students from different school putting up a memorable show for all!

The afternoons are typically popular with representatives from different companies that are exhibiting, who take the stage and present their products and technologies to the audience. This segment is a huge hit with exhibitors and businessmen who are looking to expand in the date trade. The afternoon also includes talks and lectures about the date itself and its numerous health benefits.

A fun filled day at the Date Palm Theatre concludes with the ever exciting collections of fashion designers from across the world. Models show off the elegant designs and must have haute couture of international and regional designers, with a grand finale that is sure to leave the audience breathless. At last year’s festival, the closing dress was a remarkably beautiful wedding dress that cost over 1.5 million Dirhams.


Palm Tree Climbing

Few of us leave behind legacies that will be remembered forever, but at the festival everyone will get a chance to leave behind a contribution to the nation. The ‘Plant Your Own Palm Tree’ area is one of the most sought after fixtures at the Festival, where visitors will get a rare opportunity to plant the seeds for their very own palm tree and get a quick lesson in how to care for a date palm.

After laying the seeds in the exhibition field, each planted tree will hold the name of the visitor who planted it. At the end of the exhibition, all trees will be relocated to the heart of Abu Dhabi to flourish the green landscape and continue the vision of the nation’s leaders for a beautiful city.

 

Date Tasting

We’ve all had a date or two in our lives, but hardly ever inquired about the origin or characteristics of it. At the Date Tasting Area, visitors will learn about more than 25 different kinds of dates brought in from all parts of the world, and what makes each one unique.

 

Date Cooking School

You might not know it, but the date is in fact a very versatile fruit, and can be used in all manners of cooking and in a variety of dishes. As the newest addition to the festival, the Date Cooking area will feature renowned chefs hosting live shows in front of the audience and recreating some of the most cherished date based recipes from around the world.
You might discover a new favourite dessert, or come across a fascinating new main course for next week’s dinner. Aimed at cooking connoisseurs of all skill levels, the Date Cooking area is all set to become one of the most popular segments of the Festival.
 
 
Chefs

Suzanne Husseini

Dates are one of nature’s most perfect foods. They are naturally sweet, nutritious, and full of fibre. They add an elegant sweet note to savory dishes and a delightful and satisfying ending to any meal
A contributor to many publications like BBC Good Food and Caterer, Suzanne Husseini was featured on various local television programmes. She hosted one of the most popular Arabic cooking shows in the Middle East showcasing her unique style and earning her a loyal following among her audience. Suzanne is the author of “When Suzanne Cooks: Modern Flavours of Arabia,” a bestselling cookbook showcasing the best of Arabic cuisine, all done in Suzanne’s unique way.
Suzanne frequently conducts live cooking demonstrations and has been a featured presenter at major food events such as  Gourmet Abu Dhabi,  Taste of Dubai, Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, Gourmand’s Paris Cook Book Fair and Frankfurt International Book Fair.
Suzanne has been a teacher and a restaurant manager, and combines her skills and passion for food in order to conduct her very popular cooking classes to those eager to unlock the mysteries of Middle Eastern dishes. She currently lives in Dubai with her husband Ahmed and their three children.

Tomas Reger

 
” Chef Tomas Reger is the owner of Tomas Reger Food Consultants, the restaurant and private chef service company.Originally from the Czech Republic. He got his first taste of cooking assisting his grandmother who was a fabulous cook and supported him in his decision to become a professional chef.
His interest in food lead him on a culinary journey from the beaches of Spain to the fine dining restaurants of England and finally establishing himself in the Middle east.
He opened and run the Dubai based Steam Sum Dim Sum restaurant, the first specialty dim sum place in Dubai. He was later responsible for re-inventing the menu for the famous Le Sushi Bar as well as creating and setting up the operations of The Jasmine room restaurant in Beirut. Which inspired him to established a Food For Thought Co. in Lebanon specializing in restaurant consultancy.
His passion of cooking also led him to the idea of setting up a private chef company in Dubai to be able to share his skills, taste and love for food”.

 

Kids’ Zone

We look forward to welcoming kids of all ages and all nationalities to the specially erected kids zone for a variety of edutainment that will center on FUN !!

The Kids Zone will be staffed and managed by our own promotional team who love to play games and are looking forward to meeting all the kids during the festival and to telling them all about our animals at the farm and about how milk is important to our health.

We will be receiving children from a number of neighboring schools across the Emirates who will be coming to the Festival on specially organized  coach trips. We know that families will also want to come and visit and those who are on vacation too so we look forward to welcoming everybody to our stand. Come and join in all the fun, make new friends.

The Kids Zone promises to be quite experiential . Some of the exciting activities planned at the Kids Zone :

1)      Art Zone drawing painting face painting children’s games etc

2)      Education Zone – we will present a visual story board of fun facts about milk, process  and cycle from cow to bottle  and also nutritional facts about camels milk

3)      Camel Corner – dedicated to photo souvenir  where you can come and have your photo taken at our novelty camel board

4)      Competitions

5)      Play

 

Ticket Price:

AED 10
- Includes entry into the festival, access to the features


Timings

Emirates International Date Palm Festival will take place on the
following timings across 6 days:

Monday 26 November – 10.00am – 10.00pm

Tuesday 27 November – 10.00am – 10.00pm

Wednesday 28 November – 10.00am – 10.00pm

Thursday 29 November – 10.00am – 10.00pm

Friday 30 November – 2.00pm – 10.00pm

Saturday 1 December – 2.00pm – 10.00pm

 

Organisers

A multi award winning company, Turret Media has conceptualised, developed and launched some of the most successful live events in the world and is a leading publisher within several market sectors in the Middle East.

Following more than 50 years of experience in the United Kingdom, Turret Media migrated its business headquarters to the UAE in 2006 after becoming a foundation partner of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.

Turret Media has since been behind numerous exhibitions, conferences and consumer events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai that collectively attract some 1,400 exhibitors and deliver more than 120,000 visitors in industry sectors as diverse as renewable energy, IT, gourmet food and waste management.

The company is honoured to receive strong support, patronage and sponsorship from the region’s government departments, public and private sector companies, as well as the media and draws strength from its core team of industry professionals from around the world, who have proven experience of running successful events and publications.


Strategic Partner

Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) is responsible for food safety and agriculture in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, including animal health. The Authority encourages and supports research in all areas of food and agriculture that leads to the development of specifications, standards and regulations that match the latest scientific knowledge in its areas of responsibility. The Authority carried out its tasks, which include enforcement of rules and regulations as well as creation of awareness among the public, in coordination with all the concerned government bodies and private sector organisations.

Vision
An internationally recognised food and agriculture organisation that contributes to the well-being of the community.

Mission
To develop a sustainable agriculture and food sector that ensures the delivery of safe food to the public and protects the health of animals and plants while promoting sound environmental practices through cohesive and effective policies and regulations, quality standards, research and awareness.

 

2011

His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan Opens Emirates International Date Palm Festival

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 21 November 2011: Emirates International Date Palm Festival was officially inaugurated today by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Their Excellencies Saqr Al Ghobash, Minister of Labour; Rashid Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment; Azuldin Abdullah Hussein, Minister of Agriculture in Iraq; Rashid Al Shariqi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority; Jamal Al Majid, Al Majid Group; and a number of senior officials attended the opening ceremony.

The VIP delegation toured the festival area, and were joined by ambassadors from UK, Turkey, Iran, Argentina, Pakistan and Italy.

Emirates International Date Palm Festival aims at celebrating the heritage and culture of the date palm with an exciting line-up of features, which includes Date Tree Planting, Cooking Area, Al Ain Dairy Kid Zone, Date Tree Climbing competition, Date Palm Photo Competition, and Date Tasting.

The event also aims at facilitating a business platform for the date industry. Date manufacturers can further expand their presence in potential markets and increase sales directly with the UAE consumer base. More than 200 exhibitors, in addition to national pavilions from UAE, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Jordan will join forces to stage a remarkable display of date varieties

 

Hotel Booking

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi

Traditional hospitality and the highest standards of modern-day luxury and service come together in Abu Dhabi to offer guests an unmatched accommodation experience. From luxurious seven-star hotels and stunning beach and desert resorts to affordable international hotel chains, the emirate has an extensive variety of accommodation options to make visitors feel right at home. The city has become a very popular holiday and business destination, and we advise you to book well in advance.

Recommended Hotel:
Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel

Located within the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Aloft Abu Dhabi creates the ideal hub for your visit to the Fourth International Date Palm Festival. All 408 loft-inspired rooms feature ultra-comfy signature beds, oversized spa showers, custom amenities by Bliss® Spa and plug & play connectivity stations to the 42″ LCD TV. Grab a bite at re:fuel, and play in the Splash pool & Maï Cafe & Restaurant.

Preferential rates have been negotiated for all Date Palm Festival exhibitors and visitors.

Please contact:

Mr. Mounir Hammoudy
Arabic Travel Consultant

 

Hotel Booking

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi

Traditional hospitality and the highest standards of modern-day luxury and service come together in Abu Dhabi to offer guests an unmatched accommodation experience. From luxurious seven-star hotels and stunning beach and desert resorts to affordable international hotel chains, the emirate has an extensive variety of accommodation options to make visitors feel right at home. The city has become a very popular holiday and business destination, and we advise you to book well in advance.

Recommended Hotel:
Aloft Abu Dhabi Hotel

Located within the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Aloft Abu Dhabi creates the ideal hub for your visit to the Fourth International Date Palm Festival. All 408 loft-inspired rooms feature ultra-comfy signature beds, oversized spa showers, custom amenities by Bliss® Spa and plug & play connectivity stations to the 42″ LCD TV. Grab a bite at re:fuel, and play in the Splash pool & Maï Cafe & Restaurant.

Preferential rates have been negotiated for all Date Palm Festival exhibitors and visitors.

Please contact:

Mr. Mounir Hammoudy
Arabic Travel Consultant

 

Organisers

A multi award winning company, Turret Media has conceptualised, developed and launched some of the most successful live events in the world and is a leading publisher within several market sectors in the Middle East.

Following more than 50 years of experience in the United Kingdom, Turret Media migrated its business headquarters to the UAE in 2006 after becoming a foundation partner of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.

Turret Media has since been behind numerous exhibitions, conferences and consumer events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai that collectively attract some 1,400 exhibitors and deliver more than 120,000 visitors in industry sectors as diverse as renewable energy, IT, gourmet food and waste management.

The company is honoured to receive strong support, patronage and sponsorship from the region’s government departments, public and private sector companies, as well as the media and draws strength from its core team of industry professionals from around the world, who have proven experience of running successful events and publications.

 

Strategic Partner

Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) is responsible for food safety and agriculture in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, including animal health. The Authority encourages and supports research in all areas of food and agriculture that leads to the development of specifications, standards and regulations that match the latest scientific knowledge in its areas of responsibility. The Authority carried out its tasks, which include enforcement of rules and regulations as well as creation of awareness among the public, in coordination with all the concerned government bodies and private sector organisations.

Vision
An internationally recognised food and agriculture organisation that contributes to the well-being of the community.

Mission
To develop a sustainable agriculture and food sector that ensures the delivery of safe food to the public and protects the health of animals and plants while promoting sound environmental practices through cohesive and effective policies and regulations, quality standards, research and awareness.

 

 

 

 

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