Save the 'Date' for the Egypt International Date Palm Festival in Siwa

You might understand that dates are a big deal in Siwa Oasis. For a long time, the oasis has been considered the world's largest producer of dates, cultivating several varieties of this famously sugary fruit for over 3,000 years. But to truly see how big of a deal they are - to see just how expansive the industry is - you'd have to attend the Egypt International Date Palm Festival, which is holding its fifth edition from January 22nd to January 24th.

Farmers and producers are invited to showcase their dates as part of a massive exhibition of 150 pavilions. The following day, a scientific symposium will be held to bring industry specialists up to date on developments in research and technology, particularly when it comes to sustainable production. On the final day of the festival, traders and importers will be able to hold bilateral meetings with partners from around the globe.

During the course of the festival, a  competition will be held, awarding producers in categories such as Best Premium Farm for Date Palm, Best Applied Scientific Research in Cultivation, Processing and Packaging, or Best Hand-made Product from a By-Product of Date Palm.

The festival is sponsored by the Egyptian government and supported by the United Arab Emirates, with participation from several major international organisations including the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the International Center for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas, and the Date Palm Global Network, amongst others.