Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, announces the Opening of Nominations, for the Award’s 18th Session, 2026, And the Organizing of the 8th International Date Palm Conference, 2026

Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation General Secretariat, affiliated with Erth Zayed Philanthropies Foundation, Presidential Court, has announced the opening of nominations for the Award’s 18th session, 2026. The nomination period will run from the 01st of June to the 15th of December, 2025. Farmers, researchers, producers, innovators, and stakeholders from the United Arab Emirates and the world are invited to submit their applications to compete in the Award’s five categories.

The Award’s General Secretariat also announced, during a press conference held on Tuesday, 27th of May, 2025, at the Emirates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi, the organization of the 8th International Date Palm Conference, 2026. The Conference will be held in collaboration with a distinguished group of national institutions, and regional and international organizations, continuing a scientific journey that began in Abu Dhabi, from more than 28 years ago. This reflects the UAE’s vision to support agricultural innovation, and strengthen global food security.

The conference was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including Excellency Dr. Abdelouahhab Alboukhari Zaid, Prof., Award’s Secretary General, Excellency Dr. Helal Humaid Saeed Al Kaabi, Member of the Award’s Board of Trustees, and Excellency Dr. Ahmed Ali AlRaeisi, Acting Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University.

During his speech, Excellency Dr. Abdelouahhab Alboukhari Zaid, Prof., expressed his pride in the Award’s achievements, since its inception, noting that the Award’s journey over seventeen years of dedication, continues to steadily advance towards greater impact and outreach. Thanks to the ongoing support of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the guidance of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Chairman of the Award’s Board of Trustees, and the close supervision of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Erth Zayed Philanthropies foundation.

Dr. Zaid then added that the Award has firmly established its international standing, as one of the most prominent platforms dedicated to date palm cultivation, production, and agricultural innovation. It has made a tangible contribution to enhancing the competitiveness of dates and recognizing the scientific and practical efforts of professionals in this vital sector. He also highlighted the growing number of participants and winners from the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the positive impact of the Award in supporting farmers and researchers both nationally and internationally.

The Award’s Secretary General also highlighted that the 8th International Date Palm Conference, will be organized in partnership and collaboration with 13 national institutions, regional and international organizations. This conference will serve as a significant scientific platform where a distinguished group of scientists, researchers, specialists, and decision-makers from across the world will gather to exchange knowledge, expertise, and explore the future of date palm cultivation, in light of the climatic changes, and faced challenges, as well as ways to turn these challenges into real opportunities, that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Zaid affirmed that the Award’s General Secretariat, with the support of the Erth Zayed Philanthropies Foundation, remains committed to the continuing efforts aimed at reinforcing the status of the date palm tree, as a symbol of national identity, and a driver of sustainable agricultural development, through specialized scientific programs, high-impact initiatives, and strategic partnerships, with national, regional, and international institutions.

Dr. Zaid also added that the Award over the past seventeen years, became an international platform celebrating excellence and innovation in the service of the Blessed Tree. It has helped strengthen the United Arab Emirates’ position as a global leader in supporting food security and sustainable development. He emphasized that the Award was established under the vision of the wise leadership, and the generous support of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and the close follow up of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Chairman of the Award’s Board of Trustees. Today, it continues its distinctive journey under the umbrella of our foundation, the Erth Zayed Philanthropies Foundation, Presidential Court, and under the supervision of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Erth Zayed Philanthropies foundation. This reflects our deep commitment to the legacy of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, “May God bless his soul”, in nurturing the date palm tree, the people, and the land.

From his side, Dr. Helal Humaid Saeed Al Kaabi, presented key statistics recorded by the Award, over the past seventeen years. A total of 2,199 candidates, from 62 countries have applied, out of whom 111 participants were recognized for their best practices. As for the Arab participants, there were 1,908 applicants, out of which 54 were winners. As from the United Arab Emirates, 179 candidates took part, out of which 33 won. While for international (non-Arab) participants, there were 291 applicants, out of which 18 participants won. Additionally, 79 influential personalities and institutions, both nationally and internationally, were honored, including 38 from within the UAE. Dr. Helal also highlighted that the organization of the 8th International Date Palm Conference, to be held in April 2026, represents a continuation of a globally significant scientific journey that began in Abu Dhabi, 28 years ago. The seven previous conferences, held between 1998 and 2022, took place with the participation of 2,229 scientists, experts, and specialists, from 43 countries. A total of 802 peer-reviewed scientific papers, and 409 scientific posters, were presented, covering various topics of date palm cultivation, production, protection, processing, marketing, and related modern technologies.

From his side, Excellency Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Raeisi, Acting Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, affirmed the university’s full readiness to provide all forms of academic and logistical support, to ensure the success of the Conference. He welcomed scientists, experts, and researchers from across the countries to participate in this major scientific event, which will represent a new step towards a more sustainable and hopeful future.

Dr. Ahmed, also praised the efforts of the Award, which has become one of the most prominent international awards specializing in date palm cultivation, production, and agricultural innovation. The Award continues its journey of honoring entrepreneurs, innovators, and distinguished scientists, researchers, and farmers from across the world, who have contributed to the development and advancement of this vital sector, according to sustainable scientific principles.

The Award’s General Secretariat concluded the press conference by announcing its full readiness to receive nominations electronically, in preparation for the announcement of the winners’ names in February 2026. The official Award’s ceremony is scheduled to take place on the 28th of April, 2026, in conjunction with the 8th International Date Palm Conference.

The Award’s General Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the journey of excellence and innovation in supporting the Blessed Tree in the United Arab Emirates, and to working alongside regional and international partners to promote the sustainability of this vital sector, in alignment with the UAE’s vision, and its global standing.