Announcement of Winners of 18th Session of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation 2026,
And the Launching of 8th International Date Palm Conference.
Abu Dhabi(News Desk)::The Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation announced the winners of its eighteenth edition during a press conference held on 7th April 2026 at the Zayed Charity Foundation building in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of a select group of officials, experts and researchers in the agricultural and agricultural innovation sector, along with representatives of local and international media. .
His Excellency Professor Dr. Abdul Wahab Al-Bukhari Zayed, Secretary-General of the Award, affiliated with the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation, Presidential Court, affirmed that the General Secretariat of the Award continues to consolidate its position as a leading international platform to support scientific research and agricultural innovation and promote sustainable development in the date palm sector, thanks to the generous patronage it receives from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may Allah protect him , and the continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the State, Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Presidential Court , and the follow-up of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Award, and the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Head of the Presidential Court for Development Affairs and Families of Martyrs, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation at the Presidential Court .
H.E Professor Dr. Abdul Wahab Al-Bukhari Zayed,the Secretary-General of the Award delivered a speech reviewing the award’s history and achievements, in addition to announcing the names of the winners in the eighteenth session, and reviewing the technical details of the Eighth International Date Palm Conference. . His Excellency noted that this support has contributed to strengthening the UAE’s leading role in serving the date palm tree and developing agricultural innovation globally. He emphasized that the award has become, throughout its history, a scientific and developmental platform that brings together experts, researchers, farmers, and innovators from around the world, contributing to the development of the date palm cultivation and production sector and enhancing its associated value chains. .
Winners of the International Award
The Secretary-General of the Award explained that the selection of the winners in the eighteenth edition of the award was done in accordance with approved international standards and mechanisms, based on the reports of the Scientific Committee and the judging of the participating works, and with the approval of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan , with the results being as follows: :
Category of distinguished research, studies and modern technology (shared equally between each of the following) :
- Dr. Fawzi Ahmed Banat, from Khalifa University of Science and Technology, United Arab Emirates. Research on patents in zero-waste innovations: Palm trees as a leading source of sustainable materials.
- Dr. Tae-Yoon Kim from Khalifa University of Science and Technology / United Arab Emirates. Research on a sustainable alternative to graphene derived from bio-sources to improve the mechanical properties of cement mortar.
Category of leading development and production projects
- Green Coast Nurseries Establishment / Fujairah – United Arab Emirates . Regarding enhancing the status of palm trees in the United Arab Emirates through tissue culture and genetic innovation at Green Coast Nurseries .
Category of distinguished producers, manufacturers, and marketers
- Mrs. Qumasha Saif Butti Al Mazrouei / Al Alia Farm United Arab Emirates.
Category: Leading and Advanced Innovations to Serve the Agricultural Sector (Equally divided between each of)
- Dr. Salem Al-Babli from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia , on the discovery of growth regulators and their applications in agriculture
- Environment and Sustainable Development Unit At the American University of Beirut / Lebanese Republic, about A smart urban oasis: The legacy of the Khalifa International Award and resilience plans
Distinguished Personality Category in the Field of Palms, Dates and Agricultural Innovation (Equally divided between each of)
- Dr. Amjad Ahmed Mohammed Al-Qadi Arab Republic of Egypt
- Prof. Dr. Dheeb Yousef Dheeb Oweis / The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
A pioneering journey and a qualitative leap
The Secretary-General of the Award affirmed that the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, affiliated with the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation at the Presidential Court, has achieved significant qualitative strides since its inception, and has transformed into a leading global model thanks to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him , and the support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the State, Deputy Prime Minister, and Head of the Presidential Court. And following up on the work of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Award . Under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development Affairs and Families of Martyrs, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation , he noted that the winners in the various categories represent added scientific and developmental value that contributes to the development of the date palm sector and agricultural innovation at the global level. .
8th International Date Palm Conference
For his part, Dr. Ahmed Ali Al Raisi, Director of the United Arab Emirates University and Chairman of the Scientific Committee of the 8th International Date Palm Conference, confirmed that the Scientific Committee approved the participation of 218 scientists and researchers from various countries around the world (84 research papers and 74 scientific posters, in addition to registration 60 (Researcher for the attendees), noting that the conference includes five scientific sessions spread over three days, which are a special session on the red palm weevil, a session on other pests and date palm diseases, a session on biotechnology, genetic engineering, and tissue culture propagation, a session on date palm cultivation and production, a session on date palm technical practices, and related general topics.
His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Award also expressed his appreciation to all participants in the 8th International Date Palm Conference, which will be held at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi from April 28 to May 1, 2026. He noted that the conference will include a high-level plenary session dedicated to decision-makers, with the participation of invited ministers of agriculture and a number of directors of regional and international organizations. In addition, there will be five scientific sessions distributed throughout the conference.
For his part, His Excellency Dr. Hilal Humaid Saed Al Kaabi, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, affirmed that the award continues to solidify its position as a leading global platform for supporting agricultural innovation and promoting sustainable development. He noted that the 18th cycle saw the participation of 169 nominees from 30 countries, reflecting the growing international confidence in the award and its expanding impact. He explained that the award, throughout its history since 2007, has contributed to the development of the date palm sector by supporting scientific research, transferring knowledge, and empowering farmers, with the support and guidance of the wise leadership. He emphasized that announcing the winners represents a renewed message to promote sustainability and innovation and to address environmental and food challenges, building upon the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. . “May Allah bless his soul”.
