Abu Dhabi, 26th June, 2025

As a new step towards strengthening international cooperation in the development of the date palm cultivation, production, and agricultural innovation sectors, the General Secretariat of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, affiliated with Erth Zayed Philanthropies, Presidential Court, signed a Memorandum of understanding with the esteemed Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of the United Mexican States, to organize the 4th Mexico International Date Palm Festival, 2025, scheduled to be held from the 27th – 29th of November, 2025.

The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday, 25th of June, 2025, virtually, in the presence of H.E. Santiago José Arguello Santos, General Coordinator of Agriculture, at the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture, on behalf of the Honorable Mexican Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Mr. Luis Alfonso De Alba Góngora, Ambassador of United Mexican States to the UAE, and H.E. Dr. Abdelouahhab Alboukhari Zaid, Prof., Secretary General of Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, along with a number of representatives from both parties.

In his speech, H.E. Santiago Argüello praised the efforts of the United Arab Emirates in supporting the date palm cultivation sector, at both regional and international levels. H.E. also commended the ongoing support of the United Arab Emirates, to this strategic sector, which represents a cornerstone of food security and sustainable agricultural development.

H.E. also emphasized the strength of the bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Mexico, noting that the agri-food sector serves as an effective path toward achieving a better quality of life for the people of both countries, as it contributes to enhancing the global food security.

H.E. Santiago then highlighted the pioneering status the UAE has achieved in the date palm cultivation sector, as well as in the field of its production, processing, and marketing. H.E. also affirmed that organizing this festival represents an important platform for building bridges of cooperation and deepening the partnership between the two countries in this vital sector.

From his side, H.E. Dr. Abdelouahhab Alboukhari Zaid, affirmed that the signing of this MOU, reflects the international trust that Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, affiliated with Erth Zayed Philanthropies Foundation, Presidential Court, which holds a leading global platform supporting sustainable agricultural development, and strengthening international partnerships. This is thanks to the guidance and support of the wise leadership of the United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Zaid then highlighted the fact that the 4th Mexico International Date Palm Festival, 2025, will represent a new milestone in the series of international festivals organized by the Award in various date-producing countries. As the festival aims to enhance the exchange of expertise, develop value chains, and expand marketing opportunities for Mexican dates regionally and internationally, ultimately contributing to the achievement of sustainable economic and agricultural development.