The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development is showcasing the innovation of 13 Emirati small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the 22nd Liwa Date Festival. The event, organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, runs from July 14 to July 23 in Liwa City, located in the Al Dhafra region. This initiative highlights the growing diversity of the Emirati entrepreneurial ecosystem. By participating in the festival, these national projects demonstrate their ability to leverage innovation to preserve Emirati identity while transforming cultural heritage into products and services that offer added value to the market.
Empowering National SMEs Through Strategic Exposure
The Khalifa Fund’s pavilion serves as a dedicated platform for these businesses to engage directly with visitors, build professional networks, and explore potential partnerships. According to the Fund, this exposure is a critical step in facilitating the growth and expansion of these startups, helping them reach broader markets. The participating companies represent a wide array of sectors, showcasing the breadth of local talent: * Technology and Innovation: Nuwa Hub, which focuses on artificial intelligence and innovation, and NEXBA Healthcare Supplies, which utilizes green nanotechnology for personal care products. * Creative and Heritage Designs: KWACHI Fashion, a designer of Emirati apparel, and MZS Heritage Designs, which creates products inspired by local heritage. * Food and Beverage: A variety of ventures including Maison Aliza (modern Emirati cuisine), Saraya Al Dhafra (local food), Gentle Bite (healthy meals), H Almughairah Bakery (pastries and sweets), and AYA Café (specialty coffee and heritage-inspired drinks). * Retail and Services: MSYAN (retail), Unique Signature (perfume trade), ABK Photography, and Maiza Textile.
Festival Context and Cultural Significance
The 22nd Liwa Date Festival is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The festival coincides with the UAE’s date season and serves several strategic objectives, including the promotion of food security and the preservation of the date palm’s historical significance in Emirati society. Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Executive Director of the Festivals and Cultural Programs Committee at the Heritage Authority, noted that the event aims to sustain the agricultural and heritage sectors while educating future generations on the importance of traditional and modern agriculture.
A Hub for Competitions and Heritage
Beyond the commercial opportunities provided by the Khalifa Fund, the festival is a major cultural event featuring an extensive program of activities: * Competitions: The festival hosts 23 categories with 295 total prizes amounting to approximately 8 million dirhams. These include 11 date-judging competitions, 7 fruit competitions, and 3 model farm competitions for various regions in Al Dhafra. * Specialty Contests: Participants also compete in the “most beautiful date basket” and “creativity from palm trunks” categories. * Community Engagement: The festival grounds include a heritage market, a crafts corner, and specialized markets for date sales, palm seedlings, and agricultural tools. The event also features daily interactive activities, folk art performances, and educational segments on the main stage, all designed to stimulate economic activity in the Al Dhafra region and highlight Abu Dhabi’s efforts in promoting modern agricultural practices. Through these integrated efforts, the festival remains a key pillar in the UAE’s strategy to bridge the gap between traditional heritage and contemporary economic development.
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