Did you know there’s a food festival with massive competitions taking place at the Sheikh Zayed Festival this year? If you haven’t already, here’s why you need to hit up the Al Wathba Food Festival ASAP!
The festival has opened to large crowds and enthusiastic participation from productive families and food enthusiasts across the UAE.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) as part of the 4th Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, the festival continues to promote sustainable food security, encourage local production, and celebrate Emirati food heritage.
You can find the event taking place at the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award pavilion at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba. So far, the event will feature 14 culinary competitions running until 23rd November, with AED 362,000 up for grabs to win!
Not just that, the Al Wathba Food Festival also includes family activities, workshops, and interactive sessions for children.
What’s happening at the Al Wathba Food Festival this year?
The first competition, dedicated to the traditional Emirati dessert balaleet, saw Sidra Ali Al Mansoori take first place.
According to WAM reports, Kinnah Saeed Al Maskari, Member of the Higher Committee of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award and Chairperson of the Al Wathba Food Festival, said the festival provides an essential platform for productive families to showcase their talents and contribute to the local economy.
She added that the festival promotes Emirati food identity by encouraging participants to present traditional dishes in innovative ways, blending heritage with modern techniques. The event also features workshops on healthy nutrition, food safety, and agricultural awareness, alongside competitions for schools, families, and people of determination.
There are so many more mouthwatering competitions in the pipeline still!
Upcoming contests include Rice and Chicken Stew (12th November), Salt-Grilled Qabab (14th November), Macaroni Al Tayebeen – Little Chef (15th November), Chicken Marqouqa (16th November), Tahatta Malih (18th November), Pressed Date Bread and Chicken Machboos – School Challenge (21st November), Stuffed Date Balls – People of Determination (22nd November), and Mahalla Zayed (23rd November).
The Al Wathba Food Festival highlights ADAFSA’s commitment to empowering local farmers, supporting small enterprises, and promoting innovation in food and agriculture, while advancing the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051 and enhancing Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional centre for sustainable agricultural development and community engagement.
Don’t miss out!
Details:
Dates: Until 23 November 2025
Price: From AED 10, visit SZF
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