Liwa Date Festival 2025: Preserving the date palm through heritage and technological innovation
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Anchored in heritage and essential to survival, the date palm sits at the intersection of the UAE's identity and its vision for food security.At this year's Liwa Date Festival 2025, the Date Palm Development Research Unit (DPDRU), part of the Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (KCGEB), reaffirmed its vital role in safeguarding this national treasure through innovation.
Speaking to Aletihad , Maryam Al Menhali, Laboratory Specialist at the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory in Al Ain, outlined the cultural, environmental, and scientific weight of the centre's work. 'The participation of the Date Palm Development Research Unit, part of the Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in the Liwa Date Festival clearly reflects the centre's mission to preserve the cultural and strategic value of the palm tree by linking heritage with innovation,' she said.'Palm trees have not only been an agricultural crop; they have also been a pillar of Emirati identity and have played a pivotal role in food and environmental stability for centuries.'Al Menhali believes that the date festival is not merely a symbolic event, it is an active platform for community outreach and knowledge exchange.'We affirm our commitment to developing biological propagation techniques and improving local varieties through advanced scientific research, including safe genetic modification, genome analysis and micropropagation,' she added.'This aligns with the UAE's vision of achieving sustainable food security and enhancing agricultural sovereignty through advanced biological solutions, without compromising the cultural heritage represented by the palm tree.'The centre uses a combination of biotechnologies to enhance date palm productivity and resilience, with a focus on disease resistance and climate adaptation.'We rely on six key technologies,' Al Menhali said.These include tissue culture for disease-free propagation, genome sequencing to identify stress-resilient genes, CRISPR gene editing, transcriptomics and proteomics for molecular understanding, microbiome engineering for soil-plant health, and high-throughput phenotyping to evaluate performance across environmental conditions.This comprehensive approach ensures that while the trees' cultural significance is honoured, they are also equipped to face the challenges of changing climate and food security demands.Al Menhali also outlined how KCGEB integrates artificial intelligence, data analytics and precision agriculture to improve cultivation.'We use machine learning to detect early signs of disease from drone and satellite imagery, allowing us to intervene before visible symptoms appear. Smart IoT sensors track soil health, while predictive algorithms optimise irrigation schedules. Farmers also receive real-time advice via smart applications linked to our cloud systems,' she said.These technologies enable proactive decision-making, helping farmers reduce water use, prevent crop loss, and boost palm health; marking a shift from traditional to data-driven agriculture.KCGEB's efforts extend beyond productivity. Al Menhali highlighted the centre's national seed bank and genetic mapping initiatives.'We are sequencing the entire genomes of local and wild date palm varieties using advanced genomics. These maps inform our breeding programmes and help reduce genetic bottlenecks. We also store seeds in tightly controlled environments to preserve biodiversity,' she explained.The centre conducts field surveys to locate and document rare Emirati date varieties, and preserves them both genetically and culturally.'This is not just science, it is a national investment in our agricultural and environmental future,' Al Menhali emphasised.The centre is leading efforts to promote water-saving and environmentally-friendly farming.'We develop varieties that are drought- and salinity-tolerant, use smart irrigation systems to reduce water waste, and recycle treated water safely,' Al Menhali noted.'We also replace chemical fertilisers with biofertilisers and promote organic and conservation agriculture.'These include integrated agricultural systems that combine farming with solar power and waste recycling, establishing model farms as examples for national dissemination.'Our goal is to shift agriculture in the UAE from a consumer model to a sustainable, regenerative one.'Through its initiatives, the centre places strong emphasis on education and knowledge sharing, aiming to inspire the next generation of Emirati agricultural innovators.'We run workshops and create apps that deliver best practices to farmers while engaging youth in environmental agriculture. Cultural heritage must evolve, and part of that evolution is empowering people with knowledge.'
In summary, Al Menhali said the mission is clear: protect the past, innovate for the future, and cultivate a sustainable legacy for generations to come.
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