Under the directives of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, nominations are now open for the Award’s 19th session 2027.
Nominations Open for the 19th Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation – 2027
The Award continues to strengthen its international standing after 18 years of excellence in agricultural innovation.Says Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid
The Award has become a global platform promoting agricultural innovation, sustainability, and food security.said by Dr. Helal Humaid Saed Al Kaabi
Abu Dhabi(News Desk):: Under the directives of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, the Award’s General Secretariat has officially announced the opening of nominations for the 19th session (2027).
Applications are now being accepted from 1 July 2026 until 15 December 2026, inviting date palm growers, producers, researchers, academics, government institutions, private companies, and innovators from the UAE and around the world to compete across the Award’s distinguished categories.
The announcement was made during a press conference held on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at the Zayed for Good Foundation in Abu Dhabi. The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Abdelouahhab Alboukhari Zaid, Secretary General of the Award, and H.E. Dr. Helal Humaid Saed Al Kaabi, Member of the Award’s Board of Trustees.
Award Continues to Grow Internationally
Speaking during the press conference, H.E. Dr. Abdelouahhab Alboukhari Zaid emphasized that the Award has continued to record remarkable growth over the past 18 years, thanks to the unwavering support of the UAE’s wise leadership.
He highlighted the continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the close supervision of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies Foundation, as well as the continued follow-up of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Chairman of the Award’s Board of Trustees.
Dr. Zaid said the Award’s broad engagement with local, regional, and international communities has significantly strengthened its reputation, making it one of the world’s leading specialized awards in date palm cultivation and agricultural innovation.He added that the Award continues to support growers, producers, researchers, and professionals working in the date palm sector while contributing to sustainable agricultural development and reinforcing the UAE’s global leadership in this strategic field.
Positive Impact in the UAE
Dr. Zaid noted that the Award has played a significant role in encouraging Emirati participation and excellence. Over the past 18 years, Emirati winners have accounted for approximately 31 percent of all Award recipients worldwide, reflecting its success in fostering innovation across date palm cultivation, production, processing, marketing, scientific research, and related studies.
Participation from 64 Countries
Presenting the Award’s achievements, H.E. Dr. Helal Humaid Saed Al Kaabi revealed that since its establishment, the Award has attracted 2,368 nominations from 64 countries, resulting in 119 winners.
Among these:
- 1,822 nominations came from Arab countries, producing 61 winners.
- 206 nominations were submitted from the UAE, with 37 Emirati winners.
- 340 international nominations resulted in 21 winners.
In addition, the Award has honored 89 distinguished national, regional, and international personalities and organizations, including 37 honorees from the UAE, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the sector.
Research Category Leads Participation
Dr. Al Kaabi also shared participation statistics across the Award’s five categories over the past eighteen years:
- Distinguished Studies and Research – 1,049 nominations (44.3%)
- Best Pioneering Innovations – 494 nominations (20.86%)
- Influential Personality – 361 nominations (15.24%)
- Development Projects – 330 nominations (13.94%)
- Distinguished Producers – 134 nominations (5.66%)
These figures reflect the Award’s growing global recognition and its role in advancing scientific research, innovation, and sustainable agricultural practices.
Electronic Applications Now Open
The General Secretariat confirmed its full technical and administrative readiness to receive applications electronically until 15 December 2026.
The winners of the 19th session will be announced in February 2027, while the official awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 30 March 2027.
The Award concluded by inviting qualified individuals, institutions, and organizations from around the world to participate and contribute to advancing innovation, sustainability, and excellence in the date palm and agricultural sectors, wishing all applicants success in the upcoming edition.
