Emirates International Date Palm Festival, a momentous event celebrating the prominent date fruit, commenced yesterday showcasing the pride and joy of rich Emirati tradition, while entertaining visitors until 26 November at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee for the Emirates International Date Palm Festival and the Official Spokesperson for Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, said: �We have a great number of visitors coming in this year with an increase of 25 per cent compared to last year � everyone, from date traders to men, women, children, and families.  By organizing this event, we hope to share our country�s rich culture and heritage with those across the world, integrating exciting features to actively engage everyone.�

Emirates International Date Palm Festival prides itself in being the ideal event to educate people on the facts and versatility of the date fruit. The enjoyable line-up of features for visitors includes Date Tree Planting, Cooking Area, Al Ain Dairy Kid Zone, Date Tree Climbing competition, Date Palm Photo Competition, and Date Tasting.

Children were thoroughly entertained at the Al Ain Dairy Kids Zone with Tamoor and Nakhool, the date palm festivals official mascots, whilst learning about the nutritious benefits of this fruit.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to win two Etihad Airways tickets to any destination in the world at a grand raffle draw at the festival.

The Ministry of Foreign Trade indicated that the UAE accounted for 33 per cent of the world�s exports of dates and Iraq contributes 22 per cent, both combined to total more than half of the world�s export of dates.

The festival is committed to building communities through social media. It�s Facebook/datepalmfestival and Twitter/datepalmfest networks engage fans by offering year round news and promotions.