Omani Ambassador Launches Third International Dates and Honey Expo in Cairo

The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Cairo on Thursday hosted a press conference to announce the third edition of the International Dates and Honey Expo, set to run October 23–29 in Muscat. 

The event, held under the patronage of Omani Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League Abdullah bin Nasser Al Rahbi, brought together diplomats, researchers, and business leaders to highlight the growing importance of the dates and honey industries in Arab economies.

Ambassador Al Rahbi said the expo has become “a window to showcase Oman’s cultural and economic potential, particularly in dates and honey, which are integral to Arab identity.”

 He noted that Oman ranks eighth globally and second in the Gulf in date production, adding that the event has proven effective in attracting investment, signing marketing agreements, and boosting the competitiveness of local industries.

Egyptian officials also voiced strong support. Speaking on behalf of Egypt’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Ezz El-Din Gadallah El-Abbasi, director of the Central Laboratory for Date Palm Research and Development, emphasized Egypt’s leading role as the world’s top date producer with 1.9 million tons annually — about 19 percent of global output. He pointed to major national projects, including the creation of the world’s largest date palm farm in Toshka, southern Egypt.

Ahmed Salem Sudeen, chairman of the Arab Dates Union’s executive office for Gulf states, described the expo as “a premier international platform” connecting producers, consumers, and investors. 

He said Oman aims to position itself as “the capital of Arab dates” and a hub for business-to-business trade in the sector.

Dr. Ashraf El-Far, secretary-general of the Arab Dates Union, stressed that the conference reflects “the spirit of Arab solidarity under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.”

 He underscored the cultural and spiritual significance of dates and honey in Arab heritage, citing both their nutritional and symbolic value.

Organizers said the upcoming expo will not only promote trade and innovation but also celebrate Arab traditions, highlighting how two ancient staples — dates and honey — continue to serve as bridges for economic development and regional cooperation.