Oman to hosts 6th session of International Date Council

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, is hosting the 6th Session of the International Date Council, with participation from several member states at the St Regis Hotel on Sunday. The session aims to address key topics related to the development of the date palm and date sector and to enhance international cooperation in this vital field.

The meeting is featuring a review of the Council’s annual report for 2026 and discussions on various organisational and technical matters. Participants will examine key achievements from the preceding period, alongside the Council’s future plans, programmes and initiatives designed to support and advance the date palm and date sector at both regional and international levels. The Council will also deliberate on ways to strengthen cooperation among member states, including the exchange of expertise, knowledge, research, studies, technologies and best practices in areas such as production, quality control, processing, marketing and international trade — all of which contribute to increasing the competitiveness of date products and bolstering their presence in global markets.

'The meeting, organised by the Inrernational Date Council, highlights the Council’s vital role in providing data and indicators concerning production, trade and markets, besides exploring ways to support member states in developing joint projects and forging partnerships with the private sector, universities, research centres and other relevant institutions,' said Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Qater Resources. He further said that the session will focus on building national capacities and facilitating the exchange of expertise in innovation, sustainability and value chains. The Council will also review the matter of state membership, examining the opportunities it provides for member states to participate in shaping directions, strategies and initiatives concerning the future of the date palm and date sector.

It will additionally address the enhancement of cooperation in areas such as standards, quality, food safety and access to international markets. During its sixth session, the Council of Members will adopt several resolutions, including the approval of the Council’s annual report on its activities for 2026. It will also address various organisational and financial matters in accordance with established rules and regulations, and oversee the implementation of programmes and activities for the coming period.

The Sultanate of Oman’s hosting of this meeting underscores its role in supporting international cooperation within the agricultural sector and strengthening joint efforts to develop the date palm and date industry — aligning with broader objectives to achieve sustainable development and enhance the economic value of this sector.