UAE: Panel begins inspection of farms
Posted by Zawya
Khaleej Times
21 July 2010


ABU DHABI -- After the winners of 'dabas', the first dates category competition, were announced at the Liwa Date Festival on Sunday, the judging committee began inspecting the farms of participants in 'alkhneizi' category.

Farms are inspected as part of the strict terms and conditions of the competition to make sure no chemicals are used in date production.

On Tuesday, 74 farms were inspected before the 15 winners could be announced.

"The strict rules and the high accuracy followed by the judging committee made some participants to withdraw from the competition," said Obeid Al Mazrouei, director of the festival.

"The overwhelming number of visitors to the festival is an evidence for the great success of the event. Despite the hot weather and rising temperature, people are still coming to the middle of the desert to witness the lovely authentic Emirati heritage. This is evidence that the festival has become an important tourist event," he added.

The youth have also revealed outstanding creative talents to develop the production of dates, according to Al Mazrouei.

Date pickles with different flavours are on display at the market along with new productions related to dates such as special kidney tea, coffee, eye-liner and essence -- all made from date seeds mixed with other natural ingredients.

The festival also hosted culture and heritage lectures arranged by the Culture, Youth and Social Development Centre of the Western Region at the folkloric performances tent.

© Khaleej Times 2010

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