Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Opens Nominations for 17th Session

The General Secretariat of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation (KIADPAI) has officially announced the opening of nominations for its 17th session, spanning from June 4, 2024, to December 15, 2024. This prestigious award invites date palm growers, producers, researchers, academics, and enthusiasts from around the globe to participate. Under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Award, the Khalifa International Award has significantly impacted the date palm and agricultural innovation sectors over the past seventeen years.

During a press conference at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary-General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, highlighted the award's contributions. Dr. Zaid noted that the award has significantly boosted participation from the UAE, as evidenced by the increasing number of Emirati winners. He emphasized the award's role in enhancing the competitiveness of Emirati dates on a global scale.

Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation: Recognizing Global Contributions

Dr. Helal Humaid Saed Al Kaabi, a member of the award’s board of trustees, shared insightful statistics on the award's participants over the years. Since its inception, the award has seen 2,012 candidates from 59 countries, with 102 winners. Notably, the UAE has had a strong presence, with 160 participants and 30 winners. The award also recognized 73 distinguished organizations and personalities, including 34 from the UAE.

Categories of Excellence

The award spans several categories, reflecting the diverse contributions to date palm cultivation and agricultural innovation:

• Distinguished Innovative Studies and Modern Technology: 910 participants (45.23%)

• Pioneering Development and Productive Projects: 294 participants (14.61%)

• Distinguished Producers: 102 participants (5.07%)

• Pioneering and Sophisticated Innovations Serving the Agricultural Sector: 406 participants (20.18%)

• Influential Figure in the Field of Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation: 291 participants (14.91%)

The General Secretariat announced that the nomination process is now open and will be accepting online applications. The winners of the 17th session will be revealed in January 2025, followed by an honouring ceremony in February 2025. This award continues to foster innovation and excellence in date palm cultivation and the broader agricultural sector, reinforcing its vital role in promoting sustainable agricultural practices worldwide.