Khalifa International Award For Date Palm And Agricultural Innovation Winners Honoured At Ceremony In UAE

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, presided over the 17th Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation ceremony. The event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It attracted numerous dignitaries, including AbdulHakim Elwaer from the FAO and representatives from date-producing nations.

The ceremony honoured several individuals for their contributions to date palm cultivation. Among those recognised were HRH Prince Dr. Faisal Bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz from Saudi Arabia and Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of States. Also acknowledged were Dr. Abdulkareem Mohammed Al Amri and ambassadors Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi.

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Sheikh Nahyan expressed gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his dedication to agricultural progress in the UAE, especially in date palm cultivation. He also thanked Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed for his support of this prestigious award, which reflects the nation's commitment to agricultural advancement.

The award ceremony celebrated achievements in various categories. In the Distinguished Innovative Studies and Modern Technology Category, Dr. Abdulqader Jighly from Australia and Dr. Khaled Michel Hazzouri from the UAE shared honours. The Pioneering Development and Productive Projects Category saw EDEN Innovations from the UAE and Dr. Nawaf Salem Alhajeri from Kuwait University as winners.

In the Pioneering and Sophisticated Innovations Serving the Agricultural Sector Category, SPOTTA Company from the UK was recognised. The Distinguished Producers, Manufacturers, and Marketers Category had joint winners: Khamis Mohammed Khamis Freih Al-Qubaisi from the UAE and Benaoun Gadri Mohammed from Tunisia.

The Influential Figure in Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Category was awarded to Dr. Ghulam Sarwar Markhand of Pakistan and Dr. Sherif Fathy Ali Ibrahim El-Sharbasi of Egypt. These awards highlight significant contributions to advancing date palm cultivation globally.

New Initiatives for Date Palm Cultivation

Sheikh Nahyan announced H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the 2025 Personality of the Year for his efforts in promoting date palm innovation. Additionally, a new initiative called "International Consortium for Red Palm Weevil Control (C4RPWC)" was launched with support from various organisations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

This consortium aims to address challenges related to red palm weevil control, enhancing both economic and cultural values associated with date palms. This initiative aligns with COP28 goals by fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

Collaborative Efforts in Agriculture

During the event, nine memoranda of understanding were signed between agriculture ministers and directors of international organisations to strengthen cooperation in agriculture. These agreements aim to promote collaborative efforts in addressing challenges faced by date-producing countries.

Dr. QU Dongyu, Director-General of FAO, commended UAE's role in supporting date cultivation through remarks delivered by Dr. AbdulHakim Elwaer. He noted a 23% increase in North African date production over ten years due to expanded cultivation areas.

The ceremony included a presentation showcasing achievements over eighteen years (2007–2025) in advancing date palm cultivation through this award program.

With inputs from WAM