Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Khorfakkan Mango Festival kicked off its fifth edition on Saturday in Khorfakkan, marking a notable 40 percent uptick in participation from last year.

Hosted by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), in collaboration with local councils and Expo Khorfakkan, the festival is set to run until Sunday evening under the theme "Mango: Our Fruit, Our Wealth."

55 Farmers and International Participants Featured

This year, the festival showcases 55 farmers from across the UAE alongside various agricultural companies and productive families. Delegations from Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, as well as participants from Uganda, underline the festival's growing regional and international appeal.

To accommodate a burgeoning number of displays, festival organizers expanded the exhibition area by 70 percent, enabling better access for both visitors and participants.

Honoring Supportive Figures at the Opening Ceremony

The event was inaugurated by Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, alongside key officials such as Mohammad Saeed Al Nuaimi, from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and other prominent figures, including agricultural stakeholders.

During the ceremony, acknowledgments were made to sponsors contributing to the festival's ongoing success.

Diverse Mango Varieties on Display

Attendees explored over 150 variants of locally grown mangoes along with citrus fruits and other seasonal offerings from the Eastern Region. The exhibition also featured innovative mango products and various agricultural displays.

A special pavilion showcased locally produced food items, traditional dishes, and crafts, further supporting local entrepreneurship.

Aligning with UAE Food Security Objectives

According to Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, the Mango Festival has evolved into a vital platform reflecting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to enhance agricultural investments aligned with UAE food security goals.

He emphasized agriculture's role as a strategic sector fostering economic diversification and GDP growth, while the festival enhances tourism and commercial activity in Khorfakkan and the Eastern Region. The initiative aligns with the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 by improving marketing avenues for farmers and promoting modern agricultural practices.

Anticipating Higher Visitor Numbers

Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi indicated the previous festival attracted around 35,000 visitors, and this year's event has seen 40 percent more participating farmers and a 70 percent increase in exhibition space.

He characterized the festival as a valuable marketing opportunity for farmers, emphasizing SCCI’s dedication to fostering sustainable agriculture through leading workshops and guidance initiatives.

Complimentary Stands for Emirati Farmers

Khalil Al-Mansouri announced that Emirati farmers are provided with fully equipped booths at no cost, supporting home-based agricultural initiatives as well.

He noted that mangoes represent nearly 80 percent of the showcased items, complemented by citrus fruits, bananas, and other seasonal crops.

The event also seeks to inspire young generations to appreciate agricultural heritage through engaging activities and competitions while promoting entrepreneurship in mango-related industries. Al-Mansouri expressed gratitude for the support from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock.

Exciting Competitions at This Year’s Festival

The festival features five competitions this year, offering cash prizes aimed at promoting excellence in local agricultural production.

The opening day included competitions such as the Mango Mazayna (Most Beautiful Mango), the Largest Mango Contest, and the Best Mango Basket Contest for families.

On Sunday, more competitions were scheduled, including the Mango Beauty Contest for children from 7 to 15 years old and the Best Innovative Idea or Mango-Based Project Competition to stimulate creativity in the mango industry.

Family-Friendly Cultural Activities

Supported by Al Sharqiya Kalba TV as the official media partner, the festival invites visitors on Sunday from 4:30 pm until 10:00 pm.

In addition to the agricultural competitions and fresh sales of premium mangoes and seedlings, guests can enjoy cultural performances, heritage activities, agricultural workshops, daily prize draws, and family-oriented entertainment programs.

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