Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Over the past 18 years, the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation has evolved into one of the world's leading platforms for agricultural innovation, sustainability, as well as food security.
Nominations for the award's 19th edition, to be held in 2027, has been opened with applications accepted until December 15.
In an interview with Aletihad, Dr Abdelouahhab Alboukhari Zaid, Prof., Secretary General, Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, affiliated with Erth Zayed Philanthropies Foundation, UAE Presidential Court, said the award's success extends far beyond recognising excellence, attributing its achievements to the unwavering support of the UAE's wise leadership.
"Over the past 18 years, the award has become much more than a recognition programme. It has created an international ecosystem that encourages excellence, rewards innovation, supports scientific research, promotes knowledge exchange, and strengthens strategic partnerships."
According to Dr Zaid, that ecosystem has helped translate innovation into practical outcomes, supporting sustainable agriculture, strengthening food security, and improving the livelihoods of date palm farming communities in both the UAE and abroad.
Since its launch, the award has attracted 2,368 nominations from 64 countries, recognised 119 winners, and honoured 89 distinguished individuals and organisations.
"These figures clearly demonstrate the growing international confidence in the award and its transparent, science-based evaluation process."
He noted that national winners account for around half of all award winners, reflecting the growing global competitiveness of the UAE's researchers and innovators.
Building on that success, the 2027 edition aims to attract an even broader range of high-quality innovations that address today's agricultural challenges.
"What distinguishes this edition is the increasing quality and diversity of applications, reflecting the rapid transformation taking place in global agriculture," he said.
He described the award as an international platform for showcasing innovations with global impact in date palm cultivation and agricultural innovation: "Every innovative idea has the potential to create a positive change on a global scale."
Dr Zaid noted that the award has also played an important role in accelerating the adoption of new technologies across the agricultural sector.
"These include advanced irrigation technologies, improved date palm tissue culture propagation methods, integrated pest management systems, tissue culture innovations, sustainable agricultural practices, and value-added date processing technologies," he clarified.
Looking ahead, Dr Zaid believes agriculture is entering a new era shaped by digital transformation and climate resilience: "The future will be driven by artificial intelligence, robotics, precision agriculture, biotechnology, remote sensing, satellite monitoring, smart irrigation systems, renewable energy applications, and circular bioeconomy solutions."
A key a strategic priority of the award, according to Dr Zaid, is its support for young Emirati researchers.
The award encourages innovation through scientific partnerships, conferences, and research focused on AI, biotechnology, digital agriculture, precision farming, and climate-smart solutions.
"The award's objective is to help build a new generation of agricultural leaders capable of addressing future challenges while contributing to the UAE's vision of becoming a global leader in sustainable agriculture, well developed date industry, and food security."
