Strengthening agricultural ties: Morocco and UAE enhance date palm industry

Morocco and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are intensifying their collaboration in date palm cultivation and oasis preservation, establishing themselves as global leaders in sustainable agricultural practices for oasis ecosystems.

Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, agricultural advisor at the UAE Presidential Court and Secretary General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, shared insights during the second International Congress on Oases and Date Palm in Ouarzazate. “We are here representing the Khalifa Award from the UAE to share the United Arab Emirates experience in the development of the date palm industry at all levels,” Zaid explained.

The UAE aims to exchange expertise in tissue culture development, large-scale plantations, disease control, packaging, processing, and international marketing.

Shared vision for oasis protection

Both nations have championed the sustainable development of oasis systems on the international stage. Morocco first brought this issue to global attention at COP22 in Marrakech in 2016, with the UAE’s Khalifa Award subsequently supporting the initiative at subsequent climate conferences.

“We put the subject on the table at various international climate change arenas,” Zaid noted, referencing participation at COP26 in Glasgow, COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, and COP28 in Dubai. “The idea is to make sure that oases are protected for future generations.”

The collaboration seeks to establish an international body, possibly under UN auspices, dedicated to sustainable oasis development. This initiative addresses the urgent need to protect fragile oasis ecosystems while improving production systems and living conditions for oasis inhabitants.

Technical cooperation and innovation

Despite geographic differences—Morocco in North Africa and the UAE in the Gulf region—both countries face similar agricultural challenges and opportunities. They have emerged as world leaders in date palm tissue culture development and large-scale multiplication techniques.

The UAE’s Al Foah factory exemplifies the industry's potential, producing and exporting an average of 200,000 tons of dates annually to over 50 countries worldwide. Meanwhile, Morocco has developed extensive plantations in the Boudnib area, focusing on premium varieties like Medjool dates.

“Both countries are working hard and going for what we call noble varieties,” Zaid emphasized, highlighting their shared commitment to high-quality date production for international markets.

Addressing regional challenges

The partnership also addresses region-specific agricultural threats. Morocco faces the Bayoud disease, which is absent in Gulf countries, while the UAE contends with the red palm weevil, recently identified in northern Morocco.

“Disease and pest control is an important common achievement,” Zaid noted, emphasizing the value of knowledge sharing in developing effective responses to emerging threats.

Strengthening bilateral relations

This agricultural cooperation reflects broader diplomatic ties between the two nations. Zaid underscored the “high-level relationship quality” betwee King Mohammed VI of Morocco and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Since his appointment in 2017, Zaid has served as goodwill ambassador for the FAO’s International Date Palm Network, coordinating festivals and technical assistance programs across the Arab world and beyond, including in Mexico, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, and Mauritania.

“Our presence here reflects such collaboration,” Zaid concluded. “The Khalifa Award is of international stature, and we are sharing all UAE experience in this field with our colleagues here in Morocco.”

The two-day congress in Ouarzazate signifies another milestone in the growing partnership between Morocco and the UAE, as both countries endeavor to preserve oasis ecosystems while developing sustainable agricultural industries for future generations.