6th International Festival of Jordanian Dates Celebrates Historic Ties and Agricultural Success

The 6th International Festival of Jordanian Dates opened in Amman, under King Abdullah II's patronage, highlighting Jordan's rich date cultivation history. The event celebrated Jordan-UAE relations and showcased the growth of the date palm sector, emphasizing its economic impact and alignment with global sustainability goals.

Amman, Jordan - The sixth edition of the International Festival of Jordanian Dates commenced with grandeur in the Jordanian capital, marking another milestone in the enduring relationship between Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. The event was launched under the auspices of King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Jordan's Minister of Agriculture, Engineer Khaled Al-Hanifat, representing the festival's patron, hailed the event as evidence of the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. He extended gratitude to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unwavering support.

This festival's inception was based on a protocol established on February 26, 2024, between Jordan's Ministry of Agriculture, the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, and the Jordan Dates Association, in collaboration with international entities. The minister highlighted the historical significance of date palm cultivation, noting its ancient roots and its burgeoning interest among private investors. With a nearly half-billion-dollar investment, the sector has significantly boosted employment, notably empowering women, who constitute 40% of the workforce.

The festival's opening was attended by Hamad Abdullah Al Matrooshi, UAE's Charge d'Affaires to Jordan, and various international and diplomatic figures. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary General of the Khalifa Award, expressed pride in the festival's achievements, underscoring the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and Jordan under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Eng. Anwar Haddad praised the festival's growth and the successful expansion of date plantations across Jordan. A documentary showcased the Khalifa Award's alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing its contributions to food security worldwide. The festival concluded with an awards ceremony honoring the year's winners.

(With inputs from agencies.)