6th International Festival Of Jordanian Dates Opens Under Royal Patronage In Amman

The 6th International Festival of Jordanian Dates commenced in Amman, under the patronage of King Abdullah II of Jordan. The event highlights the strong ties between Jordan and the UAE. Engineer Khaled Al-Hanifat, representing the festival's patron, expressed gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his ongoing support.

The festival is a result of a protocol signed on 26th February 2024 in Amman by various organisations, including the Ministry of Agriculture in Jordan and the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation. This collaboration aims to enhance agricultural innovation and date palm cultivation in Jordan.

Date palm cultivation has historical roots in Jordan, with evidence dating back to 3,000 BCE in Aqaba. The sector has attracted significant private investment due to Jordan's favourable conditions for growing Medjool dates. Currently, investments have reached nearly half a billion dollars, creating around 10,000 jobs, with women holding about 40% of these positions.

The opening ceremony was attended by Hamad Abdullah Al Matrooshi from the UAE Embassy in Amman and Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation. Numerous international representatives, diplomats, researchers, farm owners, and date producers also participated.

Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid praised the festival's achievements during his speech. He emphasised that this success reflects the enduring cooperation between Jordan and the UAE under their respective leaders' guidance. Eng. Anwar Haddad also expressed gratitude to both nations for organising the event successfully over six years.

The festival showcased a documentary highlighting the achievements of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation since 2007. The film demonstrated how the award aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals by contributing to food security and sustainable development globally.

At the end of the opening ceremony, winners of this year's festival were honoured for their contributions to date palm cultivation and innovation.

With inputs from WAM