The recently held third edition of the annual Al Dhaid Dates Festival attracted more than 30,000 visitors over three days, an increase of 172 per cent as compared to last year's edition, which recorded 11,000 visitors, a media report said.

Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), at the Al Dhaid Cultural and Sports Club, the festival saw exhibitors' sales surging by 60 per cent, reported Emirates news agency Wam.

The number of participants also rose by 50 per cent.

The festival reinforces the role of heritage in creating an honourable and promising future for the central region of the UAE. It also offers farmers an opportunity to communicate and share their experiences. At the same time, it encourages them to increase production and quality, which will lead to the development of the national food industry in a sustainable manner to the highest international standards.

The festival also aims to multiply the number of palm trees by motivating farmers and palm tree owners by organising competitions and giving away prizes.

On display were a variety of dates, as well as locally produced mangoes and lemons. Also demonstrated were the palm tree plantation techniques, scientific ways to protect the trees and its produce, and method to increase the production.

Various competitions were also organised to motivate the farmers.

The festival enhances tourism to Sharjah as it showcases several heritage activities, handicraft products and traditional food, making it an ideal occasion to learn more about the Emirati heritage and culture and the role of palm trees and "Ratab" (half-ripe dates) that have been an integral part of Emirati society and its tradition.