(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)
Yellow, amber or dark red, deep flavoured and sweet - better than caramel, some say - soft, yet with a bit of crunch, smoother than Belgium chocolate, the ratab (half ripen dates) are one of UAE's biggest heritage jewels, loved, cared for and appreciated for centuries. It is only fit, therefore, to have an annual festival dedicated to it, a festival that it is now in full swing in Liwa, the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. Now in its 12th year, the Liwa Dates Festival organised by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee this July 20-30, is a celebration of the ratab harvest, which in UAE happens in July-August. Some 220 prizes worth Dh6 million are awarded to winners of various agricultural and art competitions, but mostly ratab "mazeinah" (beauty contest). "This year we meet again in Liwa, the gate of the Empty Quarter and the oasis of palm trees. We meet to celebrate an event that is closely linked to our authentic heritage, which we seek to revive and promote both on local and regional levels," said Staff Major-General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, chairman of the committee. Between 60,000 and 70,000 people from all over the country and beyond are expected to visit the 10 days festival and, once here, they will have plenty to enjoy. In the massive, 20,000 square-metre air-conditioned tent, there is a traditional souk with about 150 shops run by Emirati women, selling mostly their handicrafts; there is also a ratab market, where local farmers sell their fresh dates, but also other products such as honey from Fujairah; there is a kids playground area, an exhibition of 35 government and private companies connected with dates and agriculture, there is a caf and a large majlis where everyone can sample some ratab and Arabic coffee while watching an Emirati folklore show. Cash-for-Palm Waste Talah Board announced it will offer cash for each tonne of date palm waste to agricultural businesses and farmers at this year's 12th Annual Liwa Date Festival. This 'Cash-for-Palm Waste' opportunity will help the date palm industry discard palm tree trimmings sustainably. Waste will be recycled into high quality wooden board products to answer demands in the UAE and regional markets. The UAE produces 500,000 tonnes of palm waste annually; 50,000 tonnes are required annually for Talah Board's industrial operation.
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