Abu Dhabi is shaping the future of the global palm and date industry through ten leading strategic recommendations.

The 8th International Date Palm Conference concluded successfully with the announcement of a roadmap for agricultural innovation, sustainability, and food security, led by the United Arab Emirates.

 Abu Dhabi,April 30, 2026(Press Release)::At the conclusion of the 8th International Date Palm Conference, the General Secretariat of the Khalifa International Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Award extended its warmest congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him; His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chief of the Presidential Court; His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chief of the Presidential Court for Development Affairs and Families of Martyrs, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation; and His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Award, on the resounding success of the 8th International Date Palm Conference, which was hosted by Abu Dhabi at the Emirates Palace Hotel from April 28-30, 2026, under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chief of the Presidential Court, with broad participation from experts, researchers, and decision-makers from around the world. .

The General Secretariat affirmed that this success embodies the forward-looking vision of the wise leadership in supporting sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security, and consolidating the UAE’s position as a global center for agricultural innovation and the dissemination of specialized knowledge. .

Professor Dr. Abdul Wahab Al-Bukhari Zayed, Secretary General of the Khalifa International Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Award, announced the issuance of ten strategic recommendations aimed at developing the date palm sector and enhancing its sustainability at the national, regional, and international levels, as follows: :

1.  Establishing a unified international platform for date palm data, production, research, and pests .
2.  Developing new varieties that are more tolerant of drought and salinity and resistant to pests .
3.  Expanding the use of artificial intelligence and smart agriculture in palm farm management .
4.  Strengthening international cooperation to combat the red palm weevil and exchanging experiences .
5.  Improving water use efficiency through modern irrigation systems and smart technologies .
6.  Investing in palm waste into value-added products within the circular economy .
7.  Supporting industrial innovation to develop new food and health products from dates .
8.  Empowering women and youth in date value chains and agricultural entrepreneurship .
9.  Establishing an international research network linking universities and specialized centers on date palms .
10.  Adopting international sustainability standards to enhance the competitiveness of dates in global markets .

The General Secretariat explained that these recommendations represent a practical roadmap for the next phase, and reflect the award’s commitment to continuing its leading role in serving the palm and date sector, through supporting scientific research, encouraging innovation, and strengthening international partnerships. .

it was also affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the support of its wise leadership, continues to solidify its position as a global model in transforming agricultural challenges into sustainable development opportunities, fulfilling the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, who made agriculture a civilizational mission and a national responsibility. .