Erfoud – The 15th edition of the International Date Fair (SIDATTES) in Erfoud has brought together exhibitors from Morocco and abroad, with participants from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates praising the event’s role in promoting date palm cultivation and strengthening international cooperation.
Speaking to Morocco World News (MWN), Mostafa Youssef Ahmed, Executive Director of Egypt’s Shaly Dates Company described the fair as an important annual gathering that allows producers to exchange knowledge and discover developments in the global date industry.
“This is approximately my fifth time participating in this event,” Youssef said, expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to return to Erfoud.
He noted that each edition provides an opportunity to observe date palm cultivation progress across participating countries.
“The Erfoud Festival is one of the most important events on our calendar, and we always make it a priority to attend,” he said.
Youssef also stressed the international character of the exhibition, citing participation from countries including 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, while expressing appreciation to Morocco for hosting the annual gathering.
UAE representative stressed cultural heritage and cooperation
Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Balushi, representing the UAE’s Tamreez Dates, stressed the cultural significance of date palms in Emirati society.
“We always reaffirm our love for the date palm, which represents an important part of our heritage in the United Arab Emirates,” he told MWN.
Referring to 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.
“If the date palm could speak, it would say, ‘I love the UAE,'” he remarked.
Al Balushi also praised relations between Morocco and the UAE, stressing the importance of exchanging agricultural knowledge and experience.
“Morocco is a country rich in date varieties, and the UAE has a deep affection for Morocco,” he said.
He added that international exhibitions provide opportunities for countries to share their cultivation techniques, agricultural experiences, and different date varieties.
SIDATTES strengthens international agricultural ties
SIDATTES 2026 opened on October 28 and continues until November 1.
The fair, organized under the theme “Date Palm and Innovation: Opportunities for Integrated Territorial Development,” features around 230 exhibitors and is expected to welcome approximately 100,000 visitors.
This year’s UAE pavilion, coordinated by the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, features 20 exhibition units representing eight date-producing countries.
Beyond showcasing agricultural products, the exhibition provides opportunities for producers, researchers, and investors to develop partnerships, exchange expertise, and explore innovations aimed at strengthening the international date industry.
