Cultural tour explores traditional date harvesting process in Al Ain

The second 'Travel Through Our Traditions' tour organised by The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi and Al Ain National Museum, took place in Al Ain yesterday.

The tour allowed visitors to spend time with Emirati women, families, and farmers in their homes and farms, offering unique insight into the traditions and customs of Emirati life. The Travel Through Our Traditions series aims to educate the larger UAE community and preserve customs and traditions.

Departing from Al Ain National Museum the tour passed through Al Ain Oasis, and ended at a traditional Emirati household. Participants learned about the process behind the farming of dates in the UAE and gave insight into this vital agricultural resource and the customs and traditions that are intrinsic to date farming.

The process of harvesting dates - also known as Kanaz - includes preparing and drying the fruits, and packaging them before they are stored for a year, to be used in the winter months. Al Ain is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements, fusing the spirit of the past with a lively and contemporary vision for the future.

The full cultural programme organised by the department highlights Al Ain as the cultural heartland of the Emirate and the home to the UAE’s only UNESCO World Heritage site.

Travel Through Our Traditions will return on 9th December 2018 with a tour exploring camels.