Ashraf AboArafe

In a celebratory atmosphere in Cairo, the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman hosted a press conference announcing the International Dates and Honey Exhibition in its third edition. The event was attended by diplomats, agricultural experts, and economic figures, underscoring the exhibition’s role as a global platform bridging Arab heritage with modern development.

In his remarks, H.E. Abdullah bin Nasser Al Rahbi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League, affirmed that the exhibition has established itself as a unique window to showcase Oman’s cultural and economic potential, particularly in the fields of dates and honey, which remain a cornerstone of Arab identity. He emphasized that the previous editions proved the exhibition’s ability to open new investment horizons, build marketing partnerships, and enhance local industries, enabling them to compete in regional and international markets.

The Ambassador highlighted that dates and honey are not merely food products, but vital contributors to economic growth, food security, and rural development. He noted that Oman ranks eighth globally and second in the Gulf in date production, and praised the exhibition’s inclusive approach by engaging people of determination, reflecting Oman’s authentic values that link heritage with social responsibility.Representing the Egyptian Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Dr. Ezz El-Din Gadallah Al Abbasi, Director of the Central Laboratory for Date Palm Research and Development, praised Oman’s efforts in organizing the event. He reaffirmed Egypt’s full support for the exhibition’s goals of strengthening Arab cooperation in the dates and honey sector, while expanding opportunities for Egyptian-Omani partnerships in export, marketing, and knowledge exchange.

Dr. Abbasi underlined Egypt’s global leadership in date production, with an annual output of 1.9 million tons, representing 19% of global production and 24% of Arab output. Despite this, exports remain relatively low at just 2.7% of total production, mainly due to the dominance of local varieties unsuitable for export. To overcome this, Egypt is investing in tissue culture technologies to propagate high-quality exportable varieties, and is implementing ambitious projects such as the establishment of the world’s largest date palm farm in Toshka, Aswan, covering 38,000 feddans and hosting 2.5 million palms of premium economic varieties including Medjool, Barhi, Khalas, Sukkari, and Sagai.

He concluded by stressing that Egypt’s agricultural strategy aims for a comprehensive renaissance in the palm sector, focusing on modern systems for production, processing, packaging, and export, while maximizing the use of by-products to boost national income and benefit farmers, investors, and marginalized communities.

The conference ultimately reflected a shared vision between Cairo and Muscat, where Arab heritage meets innovation, transforming dates and honey into a bridge for development and international cooperation, in alignment with Oman Vision 2040 and Egypt’s national agricultural megaprojects.

At the press conference hosted by the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Cairo, Ahmed Salem Soudain, Chairman of the Executive Office of the Arab Federation for Dates in the GCC countries, emphasized that the Muscat International Dates and Honey Exhibition (October 23–29, 2025) has become a prominent economic and investment platform, bringing together producers and investors from across the region and beyond.

Salem noted that with its deep-rooted heritage and extensive expertise in date production, Oman is well positioned to serve as the Arab capital of dates and a regional business hub, highlighting the exhibition as a valuable opportunity to strengthen trade partnerships and build a shared future that reflects the standing of Arab nations in this vital sector.

For his part, Dr. Ashraf Al-Far, Secretary-General of the Arab Federation for Dates, underlined that dates and honey are an integral part of Arab culinary and cultural identity, with their significance rooted in the Holy Qur’an as symbols of both nourishment and healing. He praised Oman’s pioneering role in this sector, particularly the city of Nizwa, renowned for its exceptional palm varieties and home to the largest date factories in the Middle East. He added that the Federation seeks to transfer Oman’s successful model to other Arab capitals, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of this promising industry.

The event was further enriched by a touching cultural moment, as the Omani Musical Ensemble for People of Determination took to the stage. Their performance, delivered with harmony and heartfelt expression, drew warm applause and admiration from the audience, who celebrated the talent and determination of the performers.

The scene embodied perseverance, creativity, and the universal message that art transcends challenges and spreads joy.

إليك تحريرًا وتوسيعًا للفقرة لتليق بالختام الصحفي الأنيق:

Then came a poetic finale, as Egyptian poet Ashraf Abo Arafe recited his poem, which crowned the evening with eloquence and emotion. His verses blended heritage with hope, weaving imagery of the palm tree as a symbol of generosity and resilience, and honey as a metaphor for purity and healing. The poem resonated deeply with the audience, offering a lyrical reflection on the shared cultural roots of the Arab world and its vision for a prosperous future.

The performance served as a fitting conclusion to the ceremony, encapsulating the spirit of the Muscat International Dates and Honey Exhibition—a spirit that unites economy with culture, tradition with innovation, and community with creativity. The hall echoed with appreciation, as participants left with both knowledge and inspiration, reminded that beyond markets and investments, it is culture and poetry that give meaning and soul to development.