Manama: Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture, and Her Royal Highness Princess Sarah bint Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Executive Director of the International Dates Council, have signed a pivotal agreement to establish the International Date Observatory in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The signing ceremony was graced by the presence of Naif bin Bandar Al Sudairi, the Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the observatory is set to become a global hub for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data pertaining to the date industry. This initiative aims to bolster transparency, facilitate international trade, and honor Bahrain's rich agricultural heritage. Moreover, it will provide a reliable reference point for decision-makers and member countries involved in the date industry.
Minister Al Mubarak emphasized that the establishment of the observatory is a testament to Bahrain's dedication to realizing the visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. These efforts are aimed at advancing the agricultural sector and reinforcing Bahrain's status as a regional and international hub for the date industry. He also expressed gratitude for HRH Princess Sarah bint Bandar's initiatives and the significant role played by the International Dates Council in promoting the sector.
HRH Princess Sarah bint Bandar highlighted that Bahrain hosting the observatory marks a strategic move to elevate the global profile of dates as a key product and to transform the industry into one driven by knowledge and innovation. She praised Bahrain's conducive environment and its developmental vision, which is in harmony with the Council's objectives to progress the date industry and enhance international collaboration.
The selection of Bahrain as the host for the observatory underscores the Kingdom's esteemed regional and international reputation. It reflects Bahrain's capacity as a center for agricultural innovation and as a platform for strategic initiatives within the global date sector.