It is a national treasure in its own right, but the very finest the Emirates has to offer will be on show at the first Liwa Date Auction, a series of nightly auctions set to run for 8 days.

The announcement comes as farmers and date factories seek to build the country’s international reputation for organic dates.

The auction is hosted by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festival Committee, which organises the Liwa Date Festival, a popular annual farmers market that takes place in the oasis town of Liwa during the July harvest.

Some dates may sell for as little as Dh10 a kilogram. Each lot of dates will weigh at least three kilograms.

There will be a market for local farmers, date companies and distributors. Those who cannot make journey to Liwa, which is two and a half hours from the capital, can bid online with a new Liwa Date Auction app.

The committee expects interest from wholesalers, hotels, food companies and individuals looking to stock up on unique dates for the family majlis.

**A schedule of the auctions will be available soon.