By IINA
Abu Dhabi : UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan has announced the launch of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm during a ceremony held at Emirates Palace here yesterday. The prize comes in keeping with the framework of the government’s development plans which has placed the establishment of a date production industry as one of its priorities. “Under the leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, there have been continuous efforts to increase agricultural productivity and make better use of all available resources,” he said.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan said: “We take great pride that this prize is truly international in scope and aims at rewarding efforts of prominent researchers, growers, and centers in the field of date palms. “We are also very pleased that this prize will help emphasize the importance of the date palm in the life of individuals and societies.”
“The prize underscores an important fact: that the date palm occupies a very special place in the history and traditions of our region and in particular, that this important tree is at the heart of agricultural development in the UAE,” he said.
He pointed that this agricultural development was led by the founder of our country, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. “He was greatly interested in the palm tree, always seeking better ways for its cultivation, always helping to develop new forms and varieties. He was well aware of the important social and economic value of the palm tree and was committed to reaping all of its benefits.” Sheikh Nahyan said it will be a prize that will symbolize UAE’s contributions to high achievement and excellence in the field of date palms.