Tabasheer Al Rutab: UAE’s heritage celebration of the season's first dates harvest

Abu Dhabi: As the summer begins in the UAE, it brings along the “ripening of the first date palm fruits”, known locally as “Tabasheer Al Rutab”, a moment that Emiratis eagerly anticipate when the harvest season begins. These feelings reflect a long history of reverence between the UAE people and the date palm, a symbol that remains as significant in their lives today as it was for their ancestors. Markets become hives of vibrancy with the first harvest arriving from local farms, attracting date enthusiasts in early June. The earliest-ripening varieties such as Al Naghal and Al Khatri signal the upcoming ripening of other varieties, such as Al Khnizi, Al Khalas and Al Jabri, with the season continuing until August, ending with varieties that include Al Khasab and Al Hilali. In the past, dates were crucial for every Emirati household, ensuring yearlong food security, as they can sustain various methods of storage and preservation. Despite the monumental developments in the UAE ...