Brief
Abu Dhabi Dates Exhibition launches with 95 pavilions from 12 nations
The event, held alongside World Food Week, aims to boost trade, investment and technology transfer in the date palm sector.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, the 12th Abu Dhabi Dates Exhibition opened on Tuesday, showcasing 95 pavilions from 12 date‑producing and processing countries plus an international organisation.
What happened
The exhibition, organised by the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation in cooperation with ADNEC Group, runs concurrently with World Food Week and the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition. It brings together producers, processors, exporters, buyers, experts and technology providers on a single platform.
What the reports add
Gulf News notes that the event highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing role as a global hub for the entire dates value chain, from cultivation to packaging and innovative product development. Dr Abdul Wahab Al Bukhari, Secretary‑General of the Khalifa International Award, said the exhibition now functions as a professional gathering covering the whole sector, not merely a showcase of dates.
What was said
Dr Al Bukhari told Gulf News that the exhibition reflects “significant development witnessed by the date palm and dates sector” and that Abu Dhabi can provide an “international platform that brings together agricultural expertise, industry, trade and innovation.” He added that the 95 pavilions give participants the chance to “showcase their products, explore market trends, exchange expertise and establish new commercial and professional relationships.”
How it came about
The exhibition is part of a broader strategy to integrate the dates sector with the wider food ecosystem, supporting product quality, competitiveness and market access. It follows Abu Dhabi’s recent initiatives such as the Cities for Families Framework unveiled at LIVEX 2026 and the city’s livability vision highlighted in a September 29 keynote, both aimed at positioning the emirate as a hub for innovation and quality of life.
Key facts
- The 12th Abu Dhabi Dates Exhibition opened on 7 October 2026 under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (gulfnews.com)
- The event featured 95 pavilions representing 12 date‑producing and processing countries plus an international organisation. (gulfnews.com)
- It is organised by the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation in cooperation with ADNEC Group. (gulfnews.com)
- The exhibition runs alongside World Food Week and the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition. (gulfnews.com)
- Dr Abdul Wahab Al Bukhari said the exhibition now covers the entire dates value chain, from production to innovative solutions. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Abu Dhabi Dates Exhibition opens with 95 pavilions from 12 countries”
