Latest news with #KhalifaInternationalAwardforDatePalmandAgriculturalInnovation
Morocco World
24-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco-UAE Partnership Strengthens Date Palm Industry Development
Ouarzazate — Morocco and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are deepening their collaboration in date palm cultivation and oasis preservation, with both countries emerging as global leaders in sustainable agricultural practices for oases ecosystems. Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, agricultural advisor at the UAE Presidential Court and Secretary General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, spoke to Morocco World News on the sidelines of the second International Congress on Oases and Date Palm in Ouarzazate on May 22-23. 'We are here representing the Khalifa Award from the UAE to share the United Arab Emirates experience in the development of the date palm industry at all levels,' Zaid explained. The UAE came to exchange expertise in tissue culture development, large-scale plantations, disease control, packaging, processing, and international marketing. Shared vision for oasis protection Both countries have championed the sustainable development of oasis systems on the international stage. Morocco first brought this issue to global attention at COP22 in Marrakech in 2016, with the UAE's Khalifa Award later supporting the initiative at subsequent climate conferences. 'We put the subject on the table at various international climate change arenas,' Zaid said, citing recent participation at COP26 in Glasgow, COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, and COP28 in Dubai. 'The idea is to make sure that oases are protected for future generations.' The collaboration aims to establish an international body, possibly under UN auspices, dedicated to sustainable oasis development. This initiative addresses the urgent need to protect fragile oases ecosystems while improving production systems and living conditions for oasis inhabitants. Technical cooperation and innovation Despite geographic differences — Morocco in North Africa and the UAE in the Gulf region — both countries face similar agricultural challenges and opportunities. They have become world leaders in date palm tissue culture development and large-scale multiplication techniques. The UAE's Al Foah factory stands as a testament to the UAE industry's potential, producing and exporting an average of 200,000 tons of dates annually to more than 50 countries worldwide. Meanwhile, Morocco has developed extensive plantations spanning several thousand hectares in the Boudnib area, focusing on premium varieties like Medjool dates. 'Both countries are working hard and going for what we call noble varieties,' Zaid noted, stressing their shared focus on high-quality date production for international markets. Addressing regional challenges The partnership also tackles region-specific agricultural threats. Morocco faces the Bayoud disease, which doesn't exist in Gulf countries, while the UAE deals with the red palm weevil, which has recently appeared in northern Morocco. 'Disease and pest control is an important common achievement,' Zaid pointed out, noting how knowledge sharing helps both countries develop effective responses to emerging threats. Strengthening bilateral relations The agricultural cooperation reflects broader diplomatic ties between the two nations. Zaid highlighted the 'high-level relationship quality' between King Mohammed VI of Morocco and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Since his appointment in 2017, Zaid has also served as goodwill ambassador for the FAO's International Date Palm Network, coordinating festivals and technical assistance programs across the Arab world and beyond, including in Mexico, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, and Mauritania. 'Our presence here reflects such collaboration,' Zaid concluded. 'Khalifa Award is of international stature, and we are sharing all UAE experience in this field with our colleagues here in Morocco.' The two-day congress in Ouarzazate represents another milestone in the growing partnership between Morocco and the UAE, as both countries work to preserve oases ecosystems while developing sustainable agricultural industries for future generations. Tags: ANDZOAdate palmMoroccoMorocco UAEOasesUAE
Al Etihad
16-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation celebrates breakthroughs in food security and sustainable farming
17 Apr 2025 01:21 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the 17th edition of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation honoured its ceremony was attended by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Chairman of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Board of Trustees and key figures from across the globe. Held at the Emirates Palace on Wednesday, the event brought together over 10 agriculture ministers, 52 ambassadors, international experts and innovators, all united in celebrating groundbreaking work in date palm cultivation and agricultural Al Nahayan honoured leading national and international figures for their role in advancing date palm cultivation, including His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al Qassim Province in the Kingdom of Saudi the Kingdom, Eng. Salman Jarallah AlSuwainea, General Supervisor of the Ministry's branches in the northern and northwestern sectors, at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture highlighted the award's significance."There is no doubt that this award is of great importance to date palm producers and to the overall advancement of the sector… It's driving development, increasing research and contributing to the cultivation of new and improved varieties."Acknowledging Prince Dr. Faisal's recognition in the Innovation Sector, he added: "He is a pioneer and the general supervisor of all activities related to date festivals. In Qassim, we have more than 12 million palm trees producing over 400,000 tons of top-quality dates, exporting to 113 countries. In line with our Vision 2030, we aim to become the world's leading producer of high quality dates."There is no doubt that dates require support for scientific research. The global date palm industry must rely on continuous innovation to maintain and improve production quality."Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak honoured the winners of the 17th Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation in the following categories:· The Distinguished Innovative Studies and Modern Technology Category, shared by Dr. Abdulqader Jighly – SuSTATability Statistical Solutions Company, Australia; and Dr. Khaled Michel Hazzouri, Khalifa Center for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, UAE.· The Pioneering Development and Productive Projects Category, shared by EDEN Innovations, UAE, and Dr. Nawaf Salem Alhajeri, Kuwait University.· The Pioneering and Sophisticated Innovations Serving the Agricultural Sector Category, won by SPOTTA Company, UK.· The Distinguished Producers, Manufacturers and Marketers Category, shared by Mr. Khamis Mohammed Khamis Freih Al-Qubaisi, UAE, and Eng. Benaoun, Gadri Mohammed, Tunisia.· The Influential Figure in the Field of Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Category, shared by Dr. Ghulam Sarwar Markhand, Pakistan, and Dr. Sherif Fathy Ali Ibrahim El-Sharbasi, Egypt. Speaking to Aletihad , Al-Qubaisi from the UAE, who won in the "Distinguished Producers, Manufacturers, and Marketers" category, said his farm stood out thanks to its strong focus on quality and variety. "The farm is distinguished by its production of dates and palm trees. We have greenhouses for cultivating select fruits, a modern water network, and over 15 types of palm trees, including rare, imported varieties. We are working to increase their numbers because they are not widely available in the local market."Al-Qubaisi further shared his plans to further develop the farm: "For the future, we aim to maximise the benefits of palm trees by improving date varieties and boosting production quality. We also rely on traditional knowledge passed down from our ancestors, like irrigation methods, precise water distribution and timely fertilisation. These practices play a key role in improving crop quality."Dr. Alhajeri from Kuwait University, who won in the Pioneering Development and Productive Projects Category, said of his project: "The project is about using photovoltaic-powered water desalination to support food security and resilience in arid regions."He stressed the critical role of food security in the region, particularly in the Gulf, noting: "Food security is a top priority, and that is what the Award aims to support - sustainable food sources in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. By backing research and innovative projects, the Award plays a major role in advancing this vital sector and ensuring its long-term resilience."From my perspective, the future looks very bright. The 17th edition of the Award saw key agreements signed. Bringing together researchers, institutions and volunteers in one place sets a strong foundation for the future of date production and agricultural innovation."Dr. Markhand of Pakistan, won the Influential Figure in the Field of Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Category, shared: "I am proud to be one of the winners in the 17th edition of the awards. This is the real value of the award - it boosts the date palm sector globally by recognising scientists and innovators. It's a marvellous opportunity to be here."Dr. Markhand's work focuses on date palm propagation, along with research on post-harvest practices, drying technologies and disease control. "Date palm is a fast-developing crop with huge potential. With rising global demand, more countries are investing in cultivation and innovation. It has a very bright future."
Al Etihad
16-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Winners of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation honoured
16 Apr 2025 20:15 ABU DHABI (WAM)Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Chairman of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Board of Trustees, attended the award's honouring ceremony, on Wednesday. The award is currently in its 17th event was held in the presence of AbdulHakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and Regional Representative for the Near East and North than 10 ministers and deputy ministers of agriculture from date-producing countries, alongside directors of regional and international organisations, attended the ceremony. The event also welcomed 52 ambassadors, diplomats to the UAE, members of the award's Board of Trustees, past winners, and specialists in the field of date palm Nahyan bin Mubarak praised the commitment of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to agricultural development in the UAE, and in particular to the date palm cultivation Nahyan bin Mubarak also extended his sincere thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage and commitment toward ensuring that this prestigious international award serves as a genuine reflection of the nation's strong interest in advancing agricultural also expressed his pride in the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, which operates under the Erth Zayed Philanthropies umbrella.'This affiliation evokes in our hearts and minds the legacy of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for the UAE's agricultural renaissance," said Sheikh Nahyan bin Nahyan bin Mubarak announced His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, as the 2025 Personality of the Year of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation. He also honoured a number of national and international figures who have contributed significantly to the development and advancement of the date palm cultivation and production honourees included Dr. Faisal Bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al Qassim Province of Saudi Arabia; Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, UAE Minister of State; Dr. Abdulkareem Mohammed Al Amri, Former President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment & Development; Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan; and Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to the Nahyan bin Mubarak honoured the winners of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, in its 17th session, as follows: - Distinguished Innovative Studies and Modern Technology Category: (Equally won by) Dr. Abdulqader Jighly– SuSTATability Statistical Solutions Company, Australia; and Dr. Khaled Michel Hazzouri, Khalifa - Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, UAE Pioneering Development and Productive Projects Category: (Equally won by) EDEN Innovations, UAE; and Dr. Nawaf Salem Alhajeri, Kuwait University - Pioneering and Sophisticated Innovations Serving the Agricultural Sector Category: Won by SPOTTA Company, United Kingdom - Distinguished Producers, Manufacturers and Marketers Category: (Equally won by) Khamis Mohammed Khamis Freih Al-Qubaisi of UAE and Benaoun Gadri Mohammed of Tunisia - Influential Figure in the Field of Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Category: (Equally won by) Dr. Ghulam Sarwar Markhand of Pakistan and Dr. Sherif Fathy Ali Ibrahim El-Sharbasi of EgyptThe Minister of Tolerance also announced the launch of the "International Consortium for Red Palm Weevil Control (C4RPWC), with the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and several local and international organisations. This Consortium represents a timely response to the COP28 and aims to enhance the economic, cultural, and social value of the date palm remarks delivered on his behalf by Dr. AbdulHakim Elwaer, Dr. QU Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO, praised the UAE's efforts in supporting date cultivation. He noted that date production in North Africa has grown by 23 percent over the past decade, largely due to the expansion of cultivated ceremony also featured a short presentation highlighting the accomplishments of the award over the past eighteen years in the field of date palm cultivation (2007–2025). Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak witnessed the signing of nine memoranda of understanding with several agriculture ministers and directors of regional and international organisations from various countries.
Al Etihad
20-03-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
Winners of 'Date Palm International Photography' competition announced
20 Mar 2025 17:42 ABU DHABI (WAM)The General Secretariat of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, announced the winners of the "Date Palm International Photography" competition, in its 16th Session, Award organised the competition under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Chairman of the Award's Board of Trustees. The results were as follows: First Category (Date Palm Tree)1. First Place: Charlie Villagracia2. Second Place: Salim Al HajriSecond Category (Man and the Date Palm Tree)1. First place: Sulaiman Al Qablan2. Second place: Mohammad Hassan Al-Muhanna3. Third place: Musa ben Salim ben Suwaidan Al-HajriDr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, the Award's Secretary-General, announced this in a press statement, expressing his happiness with the Competition's achievements over the past sixteen years. He highlighted how the event has strengthened the relationship between people and the date palm tree by using photography as a means to raise public awareness of its further emphasised that the Competition has created a broader platform for the exchange of experiences among photographers worldwide. It has also showcased the touristic, environmental, and heritage aspects of the date palm tree through photography while fostering a deeper connection between people, the land, and the Award's Secretary-General also noted that the sixteenth session of the Competition stood out due to the participation of 142 photographers from 18 countries. He highlighted that the event featured 380 of the most beautiful photographs, each reflecting the photographers' deep admiration and intimate connection with the Blessed Tree. Year of Community Continue full coverage
Al Etihad
17-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE President receives delegation of Erth Zayed Philanthropies affiliates, philanthropic donors
17 Mar 2025 23:57 ABU DHABI (WAM)President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today welcomed to Qasr Al Bateen a high-level delegation that included representatives from Erth Zayed Philanthropies and its affiliate entities, along with over 90 key public and private sector donors, commending their important contributions to advancing the UAE's local and global humanitarian and philanthropic Highness expressed his appreciation for their significant role in upholding the legacy of the nation's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose lifelong dedication to upholding human dignity, generosity, and service continues to guide the UAE's global humanitarian of Zayed Humanitarian Day this week, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised that philanthropy is not only an act of goodwill – it is an honour, a national responsibility, and a defining pillar of UAE identity. His Highness noted that Erth Zayed Philanthropies carries forward the spirit of giving espoused by Sheikh Zayed and extends his vision of compassion and progress to improve billions of lives and communities across the the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, Erth Zayed Philanthropies has unified specialist philanthropic organisations across five sectors: global health; education and economic empowerment; sustainable agriculture and food security; energy, climate, and environment; and UAE heritage and community service. Through collaboration and the strategic deployment of targeted initiatives, Erth Zayed Philanthropies will amplify the reach of each affiliate, sharing the transformative legacy of Sheikh Zayed with communities within the UAE and global impact of Erth Zayed Philanthropies is made possible by the collective efforts of the individuals and organisations honoured by His Highness at today's reception. They include representatives from the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, Reaching the Last Mile, Emirates Foundation, Zayed Sustainability Prize, Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, Sandooq Al Watan, International Fund for Houbara Conservation, Raptor Conservation Fund, Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, Khalifa Award for Education, Mohamed bin Zayed Award for Education, Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE), and Clean Rivers. The Majlis was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Mu'alla, Deputy Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain; H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President; Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development; and several Sheikhs, senior officials, citizens and guests.
