Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Held alongside the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE), the 10th Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition (ADDPE) showcased cutting-edge agricultural techniques, an immersive "Future of the Date Palm" experience, and discussions on climate resilience, food security, and the role of AI in shaping the future of date cultivation. The event took place at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from November 26-28.
As the strategic partner of the ADDPE, Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary-General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, spoke to Aletihad on the sidelines of the event, highlighting the UAE's strategic advantages in the global dates market and its growing role in agricultural innovation.
"We are here on the third day of the ADDPE, which is of great importance not only to the UAE but also to all date-producing and non-producing countries," said Dr. Zaid.
"This year, we have seen a 40% increase in participation compared to previous years, with 21 countries. This reflects the growing international interest in this festival, held here in Abu Dhabi, which is featuring over 110 stands," he added.
Dr. Zaid also stressed the exhibition's focus on innovation, highlighting new uses for date palm fruits and by-products.
"We have dedicated a special corner to innovation at this year's event. For instance, there is a powder made from dates that can be used as a sugar substitute. We are also recycling date palm leaves and materials - nothing goes to waste. The recycled materials are being used for building purposes and even braided products that are gaining international value," he explained.
Dr. Zaid highlighted that the UAE has become the world's leading exporter of dates.
He also credited the award for its key role in enhancing the UAE's global influence in agricultural development.
The UAE's expertise in modern date farming technologies, including tissue culture for propagating date palms, was also highlighted as a key asset.
"UAE has the best laboratory in the world," Dr. Zaid said.
He noted that the country is a leader in desert farming, pest control, packaging, and conditioning, with many date-producing countries seeking technical assistance from the UAE.
"In terms of packing houses, the UAE is home to the largest in the world, Al Foah," he added.
He further noted that it is exporting to more than 50 countries.
The UAE's strategic approach to the dates industry and agricultural technology continues to shape its role as a leader in sustainable food systems, he continued.
"We, as the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, see it as our responsibility to ensure that all date-producing countries recognise the added value of dates. We aim to reach a point where dates are not just consumed during Ramadan, but used daily throughout the entire year," Dr. Zaid said.
