Starting June 27 and running until June 29, residents can look forward to the much-awaited Mango Festival at Expo Khor Fakkan. The fourth edition of the event will offer visitors the chance to enjoy a wide range of mango varieties, all sourced directly from local farms.
The festival, a celebration of the region’s agricultural strength, also serves as a platform to showcase premium local mango varieties and honour the continuous efforts of farmers in boosting agricultural output.
One fruit that steals the spotlight during the summer months is the mango. Across the UAE, residents flock to their local markets to find the sweetest mangoes of the season. In Dubai, for instance, it’s not uncommon for locals to visit fruit stalls three or even four times in search of the perfect mango. The rise in demand is driven by the tropical fruit’s reputation as a summer must-have.
This festival's announcement follows a recent coordination meeting held by the organising committee, who are working diligently to ensure a successful edition of the festival.
The meeting, chaired by Khalil Al Mansouri, Director of Government Relations at the Sharjah Chamber, underscored the importance of supporting local mango cultivation. It also highlighted the role of local farmers in fostering greater participation and involvement, ensuring that the Mango Festival continues to thrive as a key cultural and agricultural gathering.
A recent report by Khaleej Times in April shed light on the variety of mangoes currently available in the market, with a range of prices to suit different budgets. Here’s a quick breakdown of some mango varieties.
Yemeni Mango (most affordable): Dh10 per kg
Alphonso Mango: Dh45 per box (12 large mangoes), Dh35-40 per box (15 medium-sized mangoes)
Peruvian Mango (among the largest): Dh35 per kg or Dh90-110 per box (4-5 kg)
Colombian Mini Mango (rare & exotic, available only at Waterfront Market in Dubai): Dh90-100 per box
Cambodian and Chinese Mangoes: Dh18 per kg
Khalil Al Mansouri emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts between government entities and local farmers to ensure the festival’s success. He noted that the Mango Festival is not just about enjoying the fruit; it also plays a crucial role in promoting Sharjah’s agricultural capabilities.
The festival will feature workshops for farmers, focusing on sustainable farming techniques that can improve productivity and boost the quality of local mangoes, making them more competitive in the market.
“The festival aims to highlight the quality of UAE-grown produce and solidify its presence in both local and regional markets,” Al Mansouri said.
The meeting was attended by a number of key figures, including Mohammed Khalfan AlNaqbi, member of the Municipal Council of Khor Fakkan, who also shared that this year’s festival will feature a broad participation from local farmers and agricultural experts. The event will offer various competitions designed to promote farming excellence, facilitate knowledge exchange, and introduce modern agricultural technologies to the local community.
The organising committee plans to add additional events and activities to ensure the festival is both culturally and socially engaging, creating a memorable experience for visitors. With strong support from local authorities, the festival is expected to see increased participation from both farmers and the public.