With the start of the date harvesting season (Al-Khayz season) this year, the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has launched the second edition of the 'Haraef Al Rutab' initiative.
Program Goals and Scale
Under this program, fresh dates are collected and distributed among families and communities across the emirate. The initiative is implemented under the directive of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council.
This year, the program aims to deliver boxes of fresh dates to over 5,000 families and other target groups. This is achieved in collaboration with national farms and with the participation of 1,000 Emirati volunteers. Through this project, locally produced agricultural products are optimally utilized, and seasonal harvests bring long-term social and humanitarian benefits.
Preserving UAE Heritage
The annual event reaffirms the connection to the heritage of the Emirati people, which is associated with the fresh date harvest season. Furthermore, it aims to maximize the benefit from seasonal agricultural produce. The program also introduces the younger generation to the significance of the date palm in UAE culture and revives the Al-Khayz season as one of the country's traditional heritage seasons, historically linked to generosity, giving, and community bonding.
Date Distribution Mechanism
The implementation of the initiative is made possible by a partnership between the UAE Food Bank, the Dubai Municipality, the Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA), and the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, as well as national farms and volunteers. The distribution of fresh dates will take place through CDA community majlises, including Umm Suqeim, Al Hawaneej, Nad Al Sheba, Al Warqa, and Al Barsha majlises.
The distribution schedule is as follows: Umm Suqeim Majlis — Monday, July 20; Nad Al Sheba Majlis — Tuesday, July 21; Al Warqa Majlis — Wednesday, July 22; Al Barsha Majlis — Thursday, July 23; Al Hawaneej Majlis — Friday, July 24. Activities under the initiative will continue throughout the fresh date season in community councils across Dubai, where volunteers will participate in distributing boxes of fresh dates to target groups. A series of awareness and public engagement events is also planned, highlighting the importance of the date palm in the heritage of the Emirati people.