A festival of dates

Celebrate the region's favorite fruit in the upcoming Dubai Airports Dates Festival 2014. The event will be held from September 14 to 16 at Terminal 3 of the Dubai International Airport.

The festival aims to highlight the significance of the date in the Emirati culture and heritage. The public can learn about the fruit, its hundred uses, the various ways they can be consumed, and many more. Companies selling dates and date products will also offer special discounts to customers during the event.

Dates have been an integral part in the life of Emiratis for centuries. There are over 44 million date palms with 199 different varieties in the country producing 76,000 tons of fruit every year. Dates are very healthy despite its sweet taste. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, and are a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, and energy-boosting natural sugars.

The free event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the president of the Department of Civil Aviation, CEO and Chairman of The Emirates Group and Chairman of Dubai World.

Photo credit: khaleejtimes.com