The Hatta Agricultural Festival, in its first edition, is organized under the supervision of the Higher Committee for the Development of Hatta and hosted by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment in collaboration with the Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, and the Hatta Chamber of Commerce. The festival offers a diverse range of activities and events that will continue until Tuesday, February 27th at the Hatta Hall. The festival features a varied schedule of events that cater to the needs of all visitors. These include interactive agricultural experiences, local cooking flavors, and the enjoyment of the world of organic farming. Experts exchange tips on growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs in sessions held throughout the festival.
Participants have the opportunity to gain detailed information about the farming process, from the best planting times to how to monitor and care for plants. This is part of free workshops provided to the public. Guests can join a session on environmental sustainability held on February 24th from 4 pm to 8 pm, shedding light on ways to make changes to promote sustainability in daily life. Food safety sessions take place throughout February 25th from 10 am to 8 pm, allowing guests to explore how to handle, cook, and consume food safely. Practical recycling tips are provided in workshops throughout February 26th.
The festival introduces children to the world of agriculture with a range of activities designed to entertain them and spark their curiosity about nature. They can participate in nature coloring workshops from 10 am to 8 pm on February 27th and enjoy the daily appearances of the beloved characters Madh and Dana at 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm, and 8 pm, along with musical and dancing performances.
Visitors can enjoy some delicious meals from food vendors at the festival. “Al Bait Café” and “HAF Café” offer coffee and fresh juices. “Beit Osha,” “Kabochi,” and “Black Rose Café” provide light meals for guests. “Fritz” restaurant offers its famous French fries with a selected range of toppings.
Home Flavors:
Stalls selling fresh local produce from the surrounding area give visitors the chance to taste some locally grown foods and take them home. Local farmers will showcase a variety of products such as honey, preserved fruits, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Farm Animals:
Families can get a direct look at real farm life and attend the animal auction, where famous goat breeds from the Hatta region are available. Guests can watch farmers compete in a competition held under the sponsorship of the “Union Cooperative,” and winning farmers in three different categories will be honored.
Union Cooperative Prizes:
Visitors and farm owners have the opportunity to win major prizes with the “Union Cooperative,” the festival’s sponsor. Guests can participate in fun competitions and raffles throughout the festival. Farmers can register in three categories for a competition sponsored by the Union Cooperative to compete for prizes ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000. The winners in the three categories, “Best Specialized Farm,” “Best Herd,” and “Best Livestock,” will be crowned at a ceremony held on February 27th at 6:45 pm.
Hatta Heritage Village:
Visitors can go back in time by visiting the Sharia Village, one of the oldest traditional villages in the UAE. The ancient irrigation system of aflaj in the “Palm Farm,” one of the traditional engineering wonders, is where visitors can learn how the underground tunnel, 587 meters long, has been providing water to local communities for hundreds of years. Tours are held from 11 am to 2 pm on February 23rd and 25th and from 11 am to 5 pm on February 26th and 27th.
The festival takes place daily from 5:30 pm to 10 pm on Friday, February 23rd, and from 10 am to 10 pm from Saturday, February 24th, until Tuesday, February 27th.