Karachi: Pakistan is set to host first-ever international date festival in October, following an agreement signed between Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and Embassy of United Arab Emirates (UAE).

 Announcement was made in statement issued by UAE Consulate in Karachi. While Pakistan imports various types of dates from Middle East, particularly to meet high demand during Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan, country is also a significant producer of dates.

Key regions such as Khairpur in Sindh and Turbat and Panjgur in Balochistan yield large quantities of dates, offering substantial export potential. “An agreement has been reached between UAE Embassy and TDAP’s Chief Executive Zubair Motiwala for organising first international date festival in Pakistan,” UAE Consulate’s statement read. The UAE Ambassador in Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi and Counsel General in Karachi Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi were also present in the signing ceremony. 

The UAE ambassador said that this will be a unique festival where countries around the world will participate and it will increase the export of Pakistani dates and improve the economic condition of the country.  The export of Pakistani dates will increase and the economic condition of the country will also improve, said UAE Counsel General in Karachi Bakheet Ateeq Al-Remeithi. Festival is scheduled to take place on October 24, 2024 and is expected to attract participants from around globe.

UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Al-Zaabi described event as unique opportunity to showcase and promote Pakistani dates on an international platform. Al-Zaabi expressed optimism that festival would not only enhance export of Pakistani dates but also significantly contribute to national economy. “This festival will provide an important opportunity to enhance economic relations between two countries and promote date production,” he stated. “Various business personalities will participate in event, sharing different types of dates and their production methods,” it added.