Abdullah bin Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, SCCI, has stressed that the Al Dhaid Dates Festival is not an ordinary event, but an economic, cultural and social event on the SCCI’s agenda.
Al Owais said that the importance of the festival stems from its historical and symbolic significance in the hearts of the people in the Central and Eastern regions of Sharjah. It has had a positive impact on the development of the agricultural sector in general, and on palm cultivation, in particular, in these regions.
He explained that the SCCI’s initiative to launch the festival is aimed at increasing interest in palm trees, supporting palm owners and farmers, and developing and promoting local date-based industries, as well as raising the quality of the UAE dates.
These comments came on the eve of the SCCI’s preparations for the launch of the second edition of the three-day Al Dhaid Dates Festival. It will be held from 20th July at the Al Dhaid Cultural and Sports Club, with the participation of hundreds of palm owners, private companies and productive families, in addition to government bodies.
Al Owais stressed the keenness of the SCCI to develop the activities of the festival on an annual basis to celebrate the blessed fruits of the land of the UAE. The palm tree constitutes one of the most important sources of sustenance for grandparents. The festival also encourages farmers to pay more attention to palm trees.
This traces the directives of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, aimed at supporting all the sectors of the economy in the Eastern and Central regions and instilling a historical and cultural legacy.
Al Owais pointed out SCCI’s constant efforts in ensuring sustainable success of the festival, with the co-operation of all those concerned. He thanked the institutions and people of the region for supporting the event.

Source: Wam