Top chefs from across the region will demonstrate how to use the date fruit as a main ingredient in preparing delicious meals at the 2012 Emirates International Date Palm Festival opening tomorrow in Abu Dhabi.

The date palm festival will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre will be held until December 1.

Participating chefs include: Manal Al Alem, Romy Gill, Mario Storti, Chef Dragan Rucnov, Chamara Samaraweera, Alexy Matta and Melanie Smith.

The festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), supported by the Date Palm Friends Society, and sponsored by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee for the Festival and ADFCA official spokesperson, said: “The date fruit is unique and very versatile as an ingredient. Typically used to make desserts, when combined with specific ingredients, people can create incredible appetizers and main courses as well.”

“We have the best celebrity chef’s ready to demonstrate how to take advantage of every flavor, aroma and texture at the date palm festival, and visitors to the cooking area are sure to leave more experienced on how to make deliciously tasting food with the region’s most coveted fruit.”

Emirates International Date Palm Festival is set to provide numerous competitions to engage visitors with prizes from some of the UAE’s leading names in the hospitality and service industry.

Visitors at the date palm festival will have a chance to win up to 50 prizes. Festival patrons can participate in onsite competitions such as the date climbing competition, photography competition and the best school performance where various schools perform an act every day and the best performer of the day wins a prize.

Al Reyaysa said: “This year we have more prizes to give away to people that come and enjoy the date palm festival.”

“Purchasing a ticket to enter and experience this family festival celebrating the date fruit will enable the ticket holder to participate in a draw to win the Golden Ticket, which will include 10 amazing gifts from hotel stays, spas to delicious brunches and cupcakes. In addition, the 1,000th and 10,000th visitors will also win an incredible prize each,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service