Al Dhafra Dates Festival & Auction returns for its fourth edition under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed. The event combines heritage showcases, a daily dates auction and a broad programme of competitions spanning date contests, honey and cooking awards, as well as cultural categories such as painting and photography.
Organisers have opened registration for the painting competition, which is offered in two categories and publicised with prize funds amounting to AED 500,000 for the competition pool as promoted on regional channels and social posts. Registration details for specific categories are shared via the festival’s official announcements and on social channels (including a QR code on the event posts).
The festival’s competitive programme this year includes 21 competitions with a combined prize value of more than AED 5.55 million — a scale that reflects Abu Dhabi’s continuing support for heritage, agriculture and creative practice.
Quick facts (info box)
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Event: Al Dhafra Dates Festival & Auction — 4th Edition. Abu Dhabi Media Office
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Host / Patronage: Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority / under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed. Abu Dhabi Media Office
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Programme highlights: 21 competitions, 173 prizes, overall prize pool > AED 5.55 million. Trade Arabia
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Painting competition: Open for registration in two categories; promoted prize pool for painting reported as AED 500,000.
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How to register: Registration links and entry instructions published via the festival’s official announcements and social channels (festival posts include QR codes and registration prompts). Confirm full submission rules on the official festival page.
Submission / participation notes
Official call texts and entry forms specify category rules, eligibility, submission formats and deadlines. Interested applicants should consult the festival’s official announcement and registration portal for:
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category definitions and age/eligibility rules;
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submission formats (digital images, originals or installation requirements as applicable);
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deadlines and any documentation required (artist statement, ID, shipping/collection arrangements).
All final terms, conditions and judging criteria are those published by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority or the festival organisers; applicants must rely on the organiser’s forms and FAQs when preparing entries. Abu Dhabi Media Office
Prizes & presentation
According to official festival communications, the painting competition forms part of a larger prize programme that supports producers, artisans and creative practice across the Al Dhafra cultural calendar. Prize distribution, award categories and any associated exhibition or auction placements are determined by the festival jury and organisers. Applicants should refer to the official rules for details on prize allocation and post-award obligations.
Why this matters
Al Dhafra is positioned as a major regional heritage event that blends agricultural excellence (date production) with living cultural traditions. The inclusion of visual arts competitions signals an opportunity for artists to participate in a high-profile public programme that reaches local, national and international audiences — from heritage visitors to farmers, collectors and cultural institutions.
Official links & poster / where to verify
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Abu Dhabi Media Office — festival announcement. Abu Dhabi Media Office
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TradeArabia summary of the 4th Al Dhafra Dates Festival & Auction. Trade Arabia
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Visit Abu Dhabi event listing (overview). Experience Abu Dhabi
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Regional social announcement / Arabic posts (festival Instagram and local cultural pages) — registration posts include QR codes and entry prompts.
Publishers should link the article’s CTA directly to the festival’s official announcement page or the registration form referenced in the organisers’ posts to ensure applicants reach the live submission portal.
