Sharjah Mango Festival returns with beauty contests and 150 varieties
Daily folk shows and raffles promise fun for all age groups at Expo Khor Fakkan
SHARJAH is gearing up for a sweet summer celebration as the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) finalises preparations for the fourth edition of the Mango Festival 2025.
Set to take place at Expo Khor Fakkan from June 27 to 29, the event promises to be a vibrant showcase of local agricultural excellence, cultural heritage, and family-friendly fun.
Organised by the SCCI in collaboration with the Municipal Council of Khor Fakkan and Khor Fakkan City Municipality, the festival will host extensive participation from local farmers, agri-businesses, and productive families from across the UAE. This year’s theme, “Mango: Our Fruit, Our Wealth,” underscores the festival’s role in promoting Sharjah’s Eastern Region as a key agri-tourism destination and advancing the goals of the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
With over 150 varieties of premium mangoes on display, the event will also feature a series of competitive activities, cultural performances, and educational workshops aimed at empowering farmers and improving agricultural sustainability across the region.
Mango beauty contest
Among the most anticipated highlights is the “Mango Mazayna” – a mango beauty contest – scheduled for the festival’s opening day. This unique competition invites UAE residents to submit a single variety of mango grown exclusively on their own property or home garden. Each entry must meet specific criteria, including uniform size, defect-free skin, and a minimum packaging weight of 4 kg. Participants are also required to provide property ownership documentation, ensuring authenticity.
All mango entries will be presented in cardboard boxes and undergo on-site inspection by an expert panel of judges, with top submissions awarded valuable prizes.
Family and youth competitions
The fun continues on day two with the “Best Mango Basket” contest, open to families. Entrants must create a handmade basket using modest decorations and pack it with at least 4 kg of mangoes. Only one submission per family is allowed, ensuring a level playing field. The goal is to combine visual appeal with natural abundance, promoting creativity and household participation.
On the final day, young minds will have their moment to shine through the “Best Agriculture-themed Video” competition, open to children aged 7 to 12. Each child may submit a single one-minute video alongside a copy of their UAE ID. The deadline for all entries is June 27, and submissions must be sent via WhatsApp to 0566240434.
Running throughout the entire three-day event is the “Best Farmer’s Booth” competition. Farmers are required to display at least five distinct mango varieties, all locally sourced, and must remain present at their booths during opening hours. Winners will be determined through a public voting system, adding a community-driven dynamic to the event.
Workshops and cultural shows
Beyond competitions, the Mango Festival 2025 will feature daily workshops and training sessions led by agricultural experts. Topics will include smart irrigation systems, fertiliser management, pruning techniques, and effective pest control methods. These sessions are designed to enhance local farming capabilities while encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices.
Live entertainment will also be part of the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, with traditional Emirati folk groups performing daily. The event will be open to the public from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm, and visitors can look forward to daily raffles with attractive prizes.
Family-friendly activities
A specially curated family activity zone will cater to visitors of all ages. This space will offer educational and hands-on experiences, such as interactive games and mango-themed arts and crafts workshops, providing a deeper appreciation for the region’s agricultural legacy.
Khalil Al Mansouri, Director of Government Relations at SCCI, highlighted the strategic importance of the Mango Festival. “It not only showcases the variety and quality of UAE-grown produce but also supports partnerships between farmers, traders, and businesses. This aligns with our broader goals for economic growth and sustainability in the Eastern Region.”