By Staff Reporter 

Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved a AED1 million grant to support participants in the Dubai Dates festival, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to preserving its rich cultural heritage and the legacy of the palm tree.

The grant forms part of Sheikh Hamdan’s continued support for the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, which promotes community initiatives dedicated to safeguarding Emirati traditions and national identity.

The financial support will directly benefit palm owners, farmers, and participants who played a key role in the success of the festival’s third edition. It also highlights the importance of the palm tree as a lasting symbol of the UAE’s history, culture, and identity.

Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmook, Chief Executive Officer of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as recognition of the efforts made by individuals and communities to preserve the nation’s heritage. He said the leadership continues to demonstrate that protecting cultural identity is a shared responsibility and a national priority.

The third edition of Dubai Dates was held from July 18 to 26 at Qalaat Al Rimal on the Dubai–Al Ain Road, attracting strong public participation and a number of official visits.

During the closing ceremony, winners of the prestigious Al Nader Cup were honoured by Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri alongside Abdullah Hamdan bin Dalmook and Deputy CEO Rashid Mubarak bin Markhan Al Ketbi.

The festival’s highest accolade, the Al Das Al Thahabi Award, was presented to Ateeq Saif Al Omaimi for achieving the highest overall score across all competitions. Organisers also posthumously honoured Abdullah bin Rashid Al Shamsi and recognised Dr. Rashid Ahmed Al Mazrouei with the Dubai Dates Medal 2026 for their outstanding contributions to preserving the UAE’s palm heritage.

The week-long event featured exhibitions, educational workshops, cultural demonstrations, and family-friendly activities celebrating the date harvest season and the enduring significance of palm cultivation in Emirati culture.

Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM).