First Hatta Agricultural Festival launched to empower local farms

The launch of the festival is an initiative of the Supreme Committee to Supervise the Development of Hatta, which aims to enhance the economic and tourism development of Hatta, support traders and small business owners, encourage them to showcase their agricultural products and celebrate the rich heritage and agriculture. production of the region.

The inaugural Hatta Agricultural Festival, which is free to enter, will be held from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bringing the community together in a vibrant environment that celebrates agricultural and environmental practices, the event provides a platform for local farmers to showcase their activities and products.

Over five fun-filled days, visitors can take part in exciting workshops and educational sessions, take tours of nearby heritage sites and sample culinary delights from local businesses in Hatta, including six food trucks and pop-up cafes, at a meet and greet. of the agricultural community in the area.

Open to guests of all ages, every visitor will find something to enjoy, with entertainment events taking place throughout the festival, including roving performances by Dubai’s beloved characters, Modesh and Dana.

The festival features more than 25 workshops on topics focused on sustainability, such as food security, water purification, keeping food out of landfills, and growing your own food. Guests can also learn how to raise and raise their own animals, such as chickens and goats. In sessions designed to spark curiosity about farming, young people can also take part in hands-on activities such as drawing workshops and nature-themed storytelling.

A vibrant showcase of the beauty and abundance of Hatta farms and produce, 20 local farmers and livestock farms (Ezba) will also showcase their diverse range of products including vegetables, fruits, eggs, jam and ghee.

Visitors can also explore Hatta Heritage Village on trips organized by Dubai Culture, where they can witness the historic Hatta Falaj Al Sharia, a 587-metre-long ancient underground tunnel that collects water from a nearby mountain to irrigate the plains. Restored in 2019 by Dubai Municipality, the falaj now functions as it did hundreds of years ago.

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Hatta is one of the oldest agricultural regions in the UAE and the development of its agricultural economy is central to Dubai’s Urban Master Plan 2040. . The first Hatta Agricultural Festival is an exciting celebration of our natural environment and marks an important step in our mission to enhance and preserve the local agricultural industry.

“We hope to bring together visitors of all ages at this unique event, fostering a connection between our community and the natural world and teaching them about the importance of agriculture. “We hope to empower visitors to have a positive impact on our planet, while supporting local businesses.”

In addition to the public sessions, the Hatta Farming Festival also hosts a dynamic program of workshops and talks for local farmers aimed at strengthening Dubai’s agricultural sector. Hosted by 12 of the UAE’s largest agricultural companies, the sessions and talks will provide valuable information, support and resources to help farmland thrive.

Focused on promoting healthy competition and community spirit, the competitions feature prizes ranging from Dh5,000 to Dh20,000 in categories including “Best Productive Farm” and “Best Productive Barn”. To add to the excitement, the festival includes a unique animal auction, offering attendees the opportunity to purchase superior breeds of Hatta goat.

As part of efforts to promote agricultural businesses, the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises is also organizing an introductory workshop on its services and privileges aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging them to launch new projects.