The annual Hatta Farming Festival is currently underway, offering residents and tourists a unique opportunity to purchase fresh, locally-sourced produce and artisanal goods not typically found in standard supermarkets. Running until February 1, 2026, at Hatta Leem Lake, the festival showcases the agricultural richness of the Hatta region and the dedication of Emirati farmers. Entry to the festival is free, making it an accessible outing for families and individuals interested in supporting local agriculture and experiencing traditional flavors.
This year’s event marks the third edition of the festival and features an expanded scope, incorporating participation from government entities and the private sector. A key focus of this expansion is the inclusion of initiatives designed to support and empower People of Determination through product displays, workshops, and interactive activities. The festival is open daily from 4pm to 10pm, providing ample time to explore the diverse offerings.
Discover Unique Flavors at the Hatta Farming Festival
Hatta, a mountainous region in Dubai, has long been recognized for its agricultural potential, particularly its ability to cultivate produce in a sustainable manner. The Hatta Farming Festival provides a direct link between these farms and consumers, bypassing the usual supply chains and offering unparalleled freshness. This year’s festival highlights a range of products, from hydroponically grown vegetables to traditional Emirati delicacies.
Hydroponic Produce and Aromatic Herbs
Hatta Farms is a prominent vendor, demonstrating the viability of hydroponic farming in the region. They offer a variety of vegetables grown using this method, including cherry tomatoes priced at Dh5 per cup and larger tomatoes selling for around Dh4 per kilo. Alongside tomatoes, visitors can find capsicum for Dh8 per kilo and kale for Dh4 per 100g.
The farm also cultivates a selection of fragrant herbs like rosemary, basil, and parsley, all harvested locally. Hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil, allows for efficient water usage and consistent yields, contributing to the region’s food security efforts.
Locally Grown Fruits
Hatta is particularly renowned for its strawberries, and the festival is a prime location to sample them fresh. Hatta Strawberry Farm utilizes hydroponic techniques and wastewater reuse to ensure year-round strawberry production, with prices ranging from Dh15 to Dh30 depending on the quantity.
Beyond strawberries, the festival also features locally grown mangoes, baby bananas, and papayas, showcasing the diversity of fruits that can thrive in Hatta’s climate. These fruits offer a taste of the region’s agricultural bounty and a welcome alternative to imported varieties.
Traditional Emirati Dairy and Honey
Goat dairy products are a specialty of the Hatta region, and the festival offers a chance to purchase fresh labneh, cheese, ghee, butter, and even goat tallow oil from Alban Maez Jebel Hatta. These handcrafted items represent a traditional aspect of Emirati cuisine and are rarely available in mainstream stores.
Additionally, the festival features a variety of locally produced honey, made by Emirati beekeepers using native bees. Different varieties, such as sidr, ghaf, samar, mangrove, and wildflower honey, are available, offering a unique and authentic edible souvenir. The honey’s distinct flavors reflect the diverse flora of the UAE.
Pickles and Dates: Preserving Tradition
Traditional Emirati pickling techniques are also on display, with vendors like Le Mango and Al Dhabi Farm offering a range of tangy flavors. These pickles, often made with local mangoes and lemons, include combinations like mango and peanut, as well as preserved olives and onion pickles. These recipes have been passed down through generations.
No farming festival in the UAE would be complete without dates, and the Hatta Farming Festival is no exception. Numerous varieties of dates, handpicked from local date palm trees, are available, celebrating this iconic staple of Emirati culture. Dates are a significant part of the UAE’s agricultural heritage and a popular food throughout the region.
The success of the Hatta Farming Festival underscores the growing interest in locally sourced food and sustainable agricultural practices within the UAE. The festival’s expansion to include initiatives for People of Determination further demonstrates its commitment to community development. Future iterations of the festival will likely continue to evolve, potentially incorporating more educational components and expanding the range of agricultural products on offer. The long-term impact of the festival on Hatta’s agricultural sector and the broader UAE food system remains to be seen, but its current trajectory suggests a positive influence on both.
