Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation General Secretariat, published a special issue of the Blessed Tree magazine, in parallel with the launching of the series of International Date Palm Festivals, 2023, and which are organized by the Award’s General Secretariat, in cooperation with the relevant ministries in each of the following hosting countries (Arab Republic of Egypt, Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Republic of Sudan, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Kingdom of Morocco, United Mexican States, United Arab Emirates). Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Award’s Secretary General, pointed out that this issue was devoted to the nutritional value of dates, as dates are more than just a type of food, it is one of the important strategic crops in the NENA region, and several other countries across the world. Despite its nutritional value, dates in general have many other added values such as economic, social, cultural and environmental value, at several levels that make them much more than just a source of food, as they are a rich source of energy, fiber, vitamins and minerals, making them a highly nutritious food. It can contribute to the food security of date-producing communities, especially in difficult times when other food types are scarce or unavailable. Some consider dates just a snack or supplement, but they're actually a great source of a multiple of nutrients that benefit the overall human health.

Dr. A. Zaid, then added that from an economic perspective, dates are an important source of income for many date growers and communities, especially in desert areas where many other types of crops cannot be grown due to the dry and hot conditions, while date palm trees can be used in the production of a wide range of products, including furniture, textiles and baskets, in addition to the selling of the date fruits. The dates industry contributes as well to providing job opportunities to many people in the community, starting from cultivation, harvesting, processing, packaging, distribution, selling, and export of dates. They are also used in the manufacturing of many food products, such as jam and juices.

From a cultural perspective, date palm trees and dates have a symbolic value and a prestigious place in many societies and people’s lives. The date palm tree is a symbol of life, productivity and resilience in facing difficulties. In many societies, date palm cultivation is part of the cultural heritage of the community, especially those living in oases. These skills are passed on from generation to generation, where we find a set of cultural traditions in the use of dates, especially in Islamic regions, where Dates are eaten during the holy month of Ramadan, to break the fast. Dates have also become an essential ingredient in many traditional dishes and desserts.

From an environmental perspective, we find that the date palm tree can withstand dry and hot conditions, and contribute to improving the quality of the land. Date palm trees can also contribute to improving the environment by reducing desertification and providing shade in hot regions. It also absorbs harmful gases, stores carbon and reproduces oxygen, which contributes to improving air quality and reduction of global warming and climate change. The blessed tree also contributes to preserving the environment and environmental sustainability for local communities.

From a social perspective, especially in the Arab region, dates are considered an important part of hospitality and social traditions. Dates are often presented as part of hospitality at many occasions and festivals.