More than50 varieties of mangoes, with prices starting from Dh6 a kilogram and going up to premium organic produce, are on display at the fifth Khorfakkan Mango Festival, which opened on Friday.

The three-day event has drawn farmers, traders, and visitors from across the UAE, with many shoppers buying boxes of mangoes worth hundreds, and in some cases, more than Dh1,000.

From locally grown mangoes harvested in the Eastern Region to imported premium varieties, visitors have plenty to choose from. Giant mangoes weighing more than a kilogram, colourful displays, and dozens of varieties have turned the festival into a major attraction for mango lovers.

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Farmers said the response on the opening day exceeded expectations. Ashraful, who works at an Emirati-owned farm participating in the festival, said they brought around 200kg of mangoes on the first day.

"We brought five locally grown varieties and five imported premium varieties. By the end of the day, almost everything had been sold. People enjoy comparing the different varieties, and many return to buy more once they find the taste they like," he said. He added that the festival gives farmers a chance to meet customers directly and showcase the quality of mangoes grown in the UAE.

Another farmer, Mustafa Al Shehi, said his farm grows around nine varieties of mangoes, including both traditional and grafted varieties. "These festivals are very important for us because they help us introduce our products to customers from across the UAE. Many people who buy from us here later visit our farms or contact us during the season," he said. "Our locally grown organic mangoes start from around Dh15 per kilogram because they are grown naturally and harvested fresh."

When asked how mangoes thrive despite the UAE's hot weather, Al Shehi said experience and proper farm management make all the difference. "Mango trees grow well in warm weather if they receive the right care. We follow a regular irrigation schedule, use natural fertilisers, prune the trees regularly and monitor them throughout the year. Choosing the right varieties and looking after the trees properly helps us produce sweet, high-quality mangoes," he said.

The festival has also attracted residents looking to stock up for the season. Ahmed Al Ali, a visitor said that he spent more than Dh1,000 on mangoes for his family and relatives.

"I come here every year because the quality is excellent. You can buy directly from the farmers, taste different varieties and choose exactly what you like. The mangoes are fresh, and many of these varieties are not available in supermarkets," he said.

Abdullah Al Husam, another visitor who bought around 20kg of mangoes, said the festival offers a unique shopping experience. "We bought around 20 kilograms because the quality is very good and the prices are reasonable," he noted.

"The farmers explain the different varieties and help us choose based on sweetness and flavour. We wait for this festival every year because it brings together some of the best mangoes grown in the UAE," he added.

Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry in cooperation with local authorities, the festival runs until June 28 at Expo Khorfakkan.

Along with fresh produce, it features competitions, cultural performances, workshops and family activities, while giving local farmers an opportunity to promote their products and build a wider customer base.