AGRICULTURE INNOVATION
Dr. Ghulam Sarwar Markhand, a distinguished Pakistani scientist based in Sindh province, has been jointly honored with the Khalifa International Award as Distinguished Personality in the Field of Date Palm, Dates, and Agricultural Innovation.
Along with Dr. Markhand, Professor Dr. Sherif Fathy Ali Ibrahim El-Sherbasi from the Arab Republic of Egypt was also recognized in the Distinguished Personality category. The organizers decided to announce a joint award for these two outstanding individuals.
The global recognition was revealed during a press conference at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi, where Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, the Award’s Secretary General, announced the winners of the 17th edition.
Dr. Markhand is a retired professor from Shah Latif Bhitai University in Khairpur, Sindh, and has continued his involvement in date palm research even after his retirement. The university is located in the heart of the date farms in Sindh province.
Since its inception, the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation has made remarkable progress, thanks to the continuous support of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the direct supervision of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan has also provided consistent oversight.
The 17th edition of the award saw a 39% increase in participation compared to 2024, with 187 researchers from 28 countries submitting applications. This reflects the growing global interest in date palm cultivation and agricultural innovation.
A Major Leap and Significant Progress
Dr. Abdel Wahab Zayed highlighted the significant strides the award has made since its inception, achieving global recognition as the premier award of its kind. This success is attributed to the unwavering support of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the supervision of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the continuous follow-up by Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan.
The 17th edition saw participation from 187 researchers representing 28 countries.
International Award Statistics for the 17th Edition (2025)
Dr. Hilal Hamid Saeed Al Kaabi, a Board of Trustees member, highlighted key statistics:
- Total applicants: 187 candidates from 28 countries, a 39.5% increase compared to 2024.
- Arab countries: 161 candidates (86.1% of total), including 18 candidates from the UAE (9.6%).
- International candidates: 26 candidates (13.9% of total).
Category participation rates:
- Outstanding Research and Modern Technology: 44.4% (highest participation)
- Agricultural Innovation: 24.6%
- Distinguished Personality: 15%
- Developmental Projects: 8%
- Outstanding Producers and Marketers: 8%
Under the patronage of the Zayed Humanitarian Legacy Foundation, the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation aims to promote and encourage date palm cultivation globally, support agricultural innovation research, and reward significant contributions in the field. The UAE also seeks to share its expertise with international partners to ensure the sector’s future sustainability.
Beyond advancing best agricultural practices, the award recognizes the sector’s role in protecting the natural environment, creating green spaces, and combating poverty. By fostering cooperation among date-producing nations and international organizations, the award serves as a global center of excellence for sustainable agriculture.
Winners of Other Categories
Outstanding Research, Studies, and Modern Technology (Joint Award):
Dr. Abdelkader Jijeli – SuSTATability Statistical Solutions (Australia), for research on enhancing genome-wide association strength and genomic prediction accuracy for date palm fruit traits using advanced statistics.
Dr. Khaled Michel Hazouri – Khalifa Center for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (UAE), for research on a chromosome-level genome of the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus), a potential genomic-based pest control resource.
Pioneering Development and Production Projects (Joint Award):
Eden Innovations Company – Abu Dhabi, UAE, for the D-MicroFeed project, an innovative and sustainable microbial feed transforming agricultural industries.
Dr. Nawaf Salem Al-Hajri – Kuwait University (Kuwait), for a project on the sustainable integration of photovoltaic solar energy and solar-powered water desalination in arid agriculture, paving the way for economic and environmental resilience.
Outstanding Producers, Manufacturers, and Marketers (Joint Award):
Khamis Mohammed Khamis Freiha Al Qubaisi – Qutoof Farm (UAE).
Eng. Kadri bin Mohammed Benoun – Emaar Al Waha Company (Tunisia).
Pioneering and Advanced Innovations for the Agricultural Sector:
Spotta Company – United Kingdom, for an innovation utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to detect the red palm weevil.
Distinguished Personality in the Field of Date Palm, Dates, and Agricultural Innovation (Joint Award):
Professor Dr. Ghulam Sarwar Markhand – Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Professor Dr. Sherif Fathy Ali Ibrahim El-Sherbasi – Arab Republic of Egypt.
Engineering Review
