The 22nd annual Liwa Rutab Festival has officially kicked off in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region, marking a major highlight in the UAE's agricultural calendar. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this prestigious event brings together local farmers to compete for a total prize pool of Dh8 million spread across 23 distinct categories. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival runs through July 23, celebrating the peak of the date harvest season and honoring the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision of the palm tree as a cornerstone of national development and food security.

Beyond the competitive spirit, this year’s edition introduces the "Kharayef Al Bayt" (Home Harvest) initiative, which encourages families to cultivate palm trees in their own gardens to foster a deeper connection with local heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant atmosphere featuring traditional crafts, agricultural markets, and educational workshops. To ensure fairness and quality, entries are strictly evaluated based on safety and agricultural standards, with participants managing their registrations seamlessly through the "Falak Al Namoos" mobile application.