KIAAI Secretary General Abdel Wahab Zayed highlighted the role of the partnership between the award organisers and the concerned authorities in Jordan and international organisations in this festival’s success. UAE Ambassador to Jordan Ahmed Al Balushi said that the festival confirms the depth of historical relations among the countries and their close cooperation. Its production constitutes about 14 per cent of global production, noting that the ministry is looking forward to reaching one million Medjool date palms. He said that Medjool dates, the number of palm trees of which is estimated to be 650,000, are one of the most important types of dates that distinguish Jordan. In his opening speech, Hneifat stressed that Jordan is aware about the importance of cultivating certain varieties of dates with high economic returns, such as Medjool and Barhi dates.Īdditionally, the ministry seeks to encourage non-traditional crops that meet the needs of local and international markets in accordance with quality and food safety standards. The festival is organised by the Agriculture Ministry, the Jordanian Dates Association (JODA) and the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation (KIAAI), with the participation of seven countries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. AMMAN – Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, Agriculture Minister Khalid Hneifat on Sunday inaugurated the third International Festival of Jordanian Dates.