Riyadh, The International Dates Conference and Exhibition, themed "Byproducts of Palms and Their Applications," recently took place in Riyadh under the auspices of Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture Eng. Abdulrahman AlFadley. Jointly organized by the National Center for Palms and Dates (NCPD), King Saud University, and the ByPalma Association, the event served as a platform for local and international participants to engage in discussions on industry advancements, challenges, and opportunities.
The conference, held from December 5 to 14, drew over 1,300 attendees from Saudi Arabia and around the world, both in person and remotely. The comprehensive program included 100 scientific presentations and 120 scientific and dialogue sessions, fostering an environment for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
An integral component of the event was the announcement of the winners of the second edition of the NCPD International Prize, recognizing excellence in Date Palm Innovative Technology, Best Scientific Research, and New Product Development.
Running concurrently with the conference, the "World of Dates" exhibition showcased the vibrancy of the local and international palm and dates sector, highlighting the Kingdom's pivotal role. Spanning over 21,000 square meters for 10 days, the exhibition attracted more than 93,000 visitors, including ministers, senior officials, and ambassadors from various countries.
The exhibition featured the largest cooking competition, engaging 120 local and international chefs who incorporated dates into their culinary creations. More than 160 entities participated, facilitating the signing of over 25 local and international agreements and memoranda of cooperation. Noteworthy deals included partnerships with Alibaba Group for date exports to China and agreements between Saudi companies and German and American counterparts.
During the event, plans for a SAR200 million factory and a SAR70 million service center were unveiled, reflecting the commitment to advancing the palm and date sector. The "Palm Museum" within the exhibition provided insights into the historical significance of palm trees in the Near East and Islamic heritage, as well as the Kingdom's current efforts to nurture this vital sector.
The National Center for Palms and Dates continues to spearhead initiatives aimed at sustaining and promoting the palm and date industry globally. Saudi Arabia, as the world's leading exporter of dates with an annual production reaching 1,600 million tons, remains dedicated to making its dates the preferred choice worldwide, with a total export value of SAR1,280 billion. The exhibition and conference underscore the Kingdom's cultural richness, emphasizing the integral role dates play in Saudi society.
