While continuing to draw visitors, the 8th edition of the Local Dates Festival at Souq Waqif has record sales of 120 tonnes in its first six days. This is twice the sales that were marked by the festival last year. Khaled Saif al-Suwaidi, general supervisor of the festival,told local Arabic daily Arrayah that the achievement is due to the increased demand from shoppers who reached record numbers compared to the previous editions of the festival. Also, according to him, the festival has a record number of participants with 103 farms.
Al-Suwaidi said Al Khalas is the most sought after date in the festival followed by Shishi, Al Khunaizi and Al Barhi. He said the festival organisers had to increase the quantities offered to cover most of the requirements of customers adding that the festival will witness the sale of larger quantities in the coming days.
A five member committee will select the winners of the competitions at the festival. Three winners will be given rewards. To run until August 5, the festival receives the public daily from 3pm until 9pm, except for Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, when it is open until 10pm.
The festival sells local varieties including Al Khalas, Al Khenaizi, Al Shishi, Al Barhi, Al Saqai, Al Razizi, Nabt Saif and Al Lulu. Date syrup is also available. The date juice and ice cream have turned to be the favourite of visitors with many opting to try them at counters inside the tent. Al-Suwaidi said seven companies are part of the festival while selling their products. The festival this year has selling points of locally grown farm fresh figs that draw many visitors.
From charming date decors to seatings, the Souq Waqif Celebrations Committee at the Private Engineering Office has made all arrangements inside the festival tent.
