Relive Arabian culture, heritage and tradition at Liwa Date Festival

Now on its 9th edition, the much-anticipated festival will be held from 18th to 25th of July

Dubai, UAE (July 01, 2013) – The Liwa Date Festival, an annual event that relives the culture, heritage and tradition of the people of the UAE will take center stage in Liwa City in Abu Dhabi's Western Region (Al Gharbia) and Tilal Liwa Hotel, a secluded desert hideaway located on the edge of the Rub Al Khali, known as the Empty Quarter is supporting the festivity by launching special packages to encourage visitors and residents to celebrate the significant event.

Now on its 9th edition, the much-anticipated Liwa Date Festival to be held from 18th to 25th of July is expected to attract a big number of participants and visitors especially that the event is happening during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Guests of Tilal Liwa Hotel who are attending the festival will enjoy first-rate accommodation with room rates starting from AED850++. The hotel also is organising a special transportation service to the Liwa Exhibition Grounds so guests can see and taste the many varieties of dates on display at the festival. Those who want to witness bidding of the farmers' harvests can go to the bidding market while those looking for traditional art, crafts and food can visit the traditional souk.

Ayman Ashor, General Manager, Tila Liwa Hotel, said: “We invite everyone to celebrate Liwa Date Festival to experience the rich culture and heritage of the local people. The event is an exclusive celebration of the dates' season which is an important produce of the UAE. Every year thousands of residents and visitors to the UAE visit the event to witness a huge display of dates and we at Tilal Liwa Hotel take pride that we are conveniently located near the festivities which is one of the main attractions of the Western region.”

The festival's vision has been set to make palm trees and dates a symbol of originality of past and a source of goodness for present and a guarantee for the future. The festival features competition for the best date grower, a cooking showdown, photography sessions, handicraft contest, and other exciting activities which aim to highlight the symbolic and historic role that the date palms play in Emirati culture.

The 9th edition will feature many surprises such as the three promotion rounds for varieties of Dabbas, Khallas and Nukhba, intended for participants who have never won in any of the previous editions of the festival. The objective is to commend the participants for their continued support as well as encourage them to make further efforts to compete with others and support the UAE's heritage.

The main attraction of the Festival, the Ratab Beauty Competition would include seven varieties namely Khanizi, Khallas, Dabbas, Abu Maan, Fardh, Nukhba and A'adj.

The total prize money for this year's festival is approximately AED5 million and will be awarded to more than 200 participants. The varieties for Best Mango and Best Lemons Competitions, held for the third time will also be part of the Liwa Date Festival. It will be complemented by the Best Heritage Show.

Stay at Tilal Liwa Hotel and witness one of the the much-anticipated events in the region. For enquiries and reservations, please contact Tilal Liwa Hotel at +971 2 894 6111, send an email to reservations.tilal@danathotels.com or visit www.danathotels.com.