Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation on Tuesday announced the winners of its 18th edition during a press conference at the Zayed for Good Foundation in Abu Dhabi.
The event also marked the launch of the 8th International Date Palm Conference, which will be held at the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi from April 28 to May 1.
Dr Abdelouahhab Alboukhari Zaid, Prof., Award’s Secretary General, affiliated with Erth Zayed Philanthropies Foundation, UAE Presidential Court, reaffirmed the Award’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its position as a leading international platform for supporting scientific research, agricultural innovation, and sustainable development in the date palm sector.
Dr Zaid highlighted that this progress has been made possible through the generous support and patronage of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the continued support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the close supervision of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Erth Zayed Philanthropies, and the continuous follow-up of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Award’s Board of Trustees.
Dr Zaid explained that the Award has, over the years, evolved into a global scientific and developmental platform that brings together experts, researchers, date growers, and innovators from around the world, contributing to the development of production systems and value chains associated with the sector.
He noted that winners were selected based on internationally recognised criteria and were approved by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.
Award Results
Distinguished Innovative Studies and Modern Technology:
The award was shared by Dr Fawzi Ahmed Banat (Zero-Waste Innovation: Date Palms as a Sustainable Materials Frontier - Patents) and Dr Tae Yeon Kim (Bio-derived sustainable graphene alternative for enhancing the mechanical properties of cement mortars), from Khalifa University of Science and Technology – Abu Dhabi.
Pioneering Development and Productive Projects:
The award was presented to Green Coast Nurseries Company - Fujairah / UAE (Enhancing Status of Date Palms in UAE through Tissue Culture and Genetic Innovation at Green Coast Nurseries).
Distinguished Producers, Manufacturers and Marketers:
It was awarded to Al Alia Farm - Gumasha Saif Buti Al Mazrui / Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi – UAE.
Pioneering and Sophisticated Innovations Serving the Agricultural Sector:
The award was jointly awarded to Dr Salim Al-Babili (Discovery of Growth Regulators and Applications in Agriculture) from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Saudi Arabia, and the Environment and Sustainable Development Unit at the American University of Beirut (Smart Urban Oasis: Khalifa Award Legacy and a Blueprint for Resilience)
Influential Figure in the Field of Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation:
The award was shared by Dr Amgad Ahmed Mohamed El Kady from Egypt and Dr Theib Yusef Theib Oweis from Jordan.
The Secretary-General of the award said that the winners in all categories added scientific and developmental value that helps advance the date palm sector and agricultural innovation worldwide.
8th International Date Palm Conference
According to Dr Ahmad Ali Al-Raeesi, Vice-Chancellor of UAE University, the 8th International Date Palm Conference will bring together 218 scientists and researchers from around the world, featuring 84 research papers and 74 scientific posters, and more than 60 additional participants expressing interest.
He noted that the conference will include five main scientific sessions over three days, covering key topics such as the Red Palm Weevil, pests and diseases, biotechnology and genetic engineering, cultivation and production, and technical practices related to date palms.
The event will feature a high-level ministerial session with the participation of agriculture ministers and leaders of regional and international organisations.
Dr Helal Humaid Saed Al Kaabi, Member of the Award’s Board of Trustees, said the 18th session witnessed the participation of 169 candidates from 30 countries, reflecting growing international confidence in the Award.
He added that since its launch in 2007, the initiative has contributed to advancing the date palm sector through research, knowledge exchange, and farmer support, while promoting sustainability and innovation in line with the UAE’s vision.
A Global Model
Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the event, Dr Zaid said the Award continues to strengthen the UAE’s global position, supported by increasing participation and a growing share of Emirati winners over recent years.
He highlighted the practical impact of this year’s submission, noting: “Most of the projects are focusing on the practical application: harvesting, packaging, processing, marketing.”
He underscored the role of technology and research, pointing to the Award’s efforts in advancing knowledge, including recent publications on artificial intelligence in agriculture and the date palm industry.
He also emphasised that the UAE has become a global reference point in the field: “When you start talking about date palm industry, the UAE’s image comes on the table.”
Also speaking to Aletihad, Dr Al-Raeesi, highlighted the UAE University’s strong engagement in the 8th edition of the conference through research and student participation.
“This conference will be a good opportunity to engage with international experts. It will help to develop research projects and enhance the knowledge of our students.”
He noted that the UAE University has funded 50 research projects under its plant-focused programme, several of which will be presented during the event, alongside contributions from more than 35 faculty researchers.
“Agriculture is one of the important sectors that we use artificial intelligence to address all issues related to the dead palm. A number of those papers will be presented during the conference.”
