The Kharayef Al Rutab Initiative has returned to Dubai for its second edition, bringing the UAE’s fresh date harvest closer to communities through the distribution of date boxes to more than 5,000 families and targeted groups.
Launched by the Dubai Community Development Authority, the seasonal initiative celebrates the start of the Al Qayz season, when fresh dates are harvested, while highlighting the cultural importance of the date palm in Emirati heritage.
Supported by 1,000 Emirati volunteers and local farms, the initiative focuses on sharing the seasonal harvest while promoting food security, reducing food waste, and encouraging stronger community connections. It also supports the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, which focuses on building a more connected and supportive society.
Fresh date distributions across Dubai communities
The initiative is being carried out through a partnership between the Community Development Authority, UAE Food Bank, Dubai Municipality, and Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, with coordination from the Dubai Media Office.
Fresh date boxes are being distributed through community Majalis across Dubai, giving residents an opportunity to experience a tradition that has long been part of Emirati gatherings and hospitality. The distribution schedule includes Umm Suqeim Majlis on July 20, Nad Al Sheba Majlis on July 21, Al Warqa Majlis on July 22, Al Barsha Majlis on July 23, and Al Khawaneej Majlis on July 24.
Alongside the distributions, the programme includes awareness activities that showcase the history and cultural value of the date palm. These sessions highlight how the UAE’s traditional agricultural practices continue to play an important role in modern community life.
Celebrating the UAE’s connection with the date palm
The launch of Kharayef Al Rutab coincides with a wider celebration of the UAE’s annual date harvest season. Events such as the Liwa Date Festival continue to showcase the country’s agricultural heritage, bringing together farmers, families, and visitors to celebrate locally grown produce.
The Liwa Date Festival welcomed nearly three tonnes of fresh dates on its opening day, with farmers presenting different rutab varieties that were assessed based on quality, size, colour, ripeness, and overall condition. The event also features heritage activities, traditional crafts, and local products from productive families.
Through initiatives like Kharayef Al Rutab, Dubai continues to celebrate the traditions surrounding the UAE’s most iconic agricultural crop while creating meaningful ways for communities to connect and share in the seasonal harvest.
