The 15th edition of the International Date Fair, SIDATTES 2026, has commenced in Erfoud, Morocco, bringing together exhibitors from various countries, including Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Representatives from these countries have expressed their appreciation for the event, citing its significance in promoting date palm cultivation and international cooperation. The fair, which runs from October 28 to November 1, features around 230 exhibitors and is expected to attract approximately 100,000 visitors.
Mostafa Youssef Ahmed, Executive Director of Egypt's Shaly Dates Company, described SIDATTES as an essential annual gathering for producers to exchange knowledge and discover developments in the global date industry. This was Ahmed's fifth time participating in the event, and he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to return to Erfoud. He noted that each edition provides a platform to observe progress in date palm cultivation across participating countries.
Ahmed also highlighted the international character of the exhibition, with participation from countries such as Mauritania, Mexico, Tunisia, Turkiye, and South Africa. He thanked the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation for its continued support of the industry and expressed appreciation to Morocco for hosting the annual gathering. The event provides a unique opportunity for producers, researchers, and investors to develop partnerships and explore innovations aimed at strengthening the international date industry.
Mohammed Al Balushi, representing the UAE's Tamreez Dates, emphasized the cultural significance of date palms in Emirati society. He stressed that date palms represent an important part of their heritage in the United Arab Emirates, echoing the legacy of the UAE's founding president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Al Balushi praised the country's longstanding efforts to preserve and develop date palm cultivation.
Al Balushi also praised relations between Morocco and the UAE, highlighting the importance of exchanging agricultural knowledge and experience. He noted that Morocco is a country rich in date varieties, and the UAE has a deep affection for Morocco. International exhibitions like SIDATTES provide opportunities for countries to share their cultivation techniques, agricultural experiences, and different date varieties.
The UAE pavilion at SIDATTES 2026, coordinated by the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, features 20 exhibition units representing eight date-producing countries. The fair's theme, "Date Palm and Innovation: Opportunities for Integrated Territorial Development," underscores the importance of innovation and cooperation in the date industry. The event provides a platform for exhibitors to showcase their products and expertise.
SIDATTES 2026 has opened on October 28 and will continue until November 1, offering a range of opportunities for producers, researchers, and investors to develop partnerships and explore innovations. The fair's organization and the participation of countries from around the world demonstrate the significance of international cooperation in promoting date palm cultivation and agricultural development.
Key points
- Exhibitors from Egypt and the UAE praise SIDATTES 2026 for promoting agricultural cooperation and date palm cultivation.
- The 15th edition of SIDATTES features around 230 exhibitors and is expected to attract approximately 100,000 visitors.
- The event provides opportunities for producers, researchers, and investors to develop partnerships and explore innovations aimed at strengthening the international date industry.
