Acknowledgments

ICARDA management would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Government and people of The United Arab Emirates (UAE) for hosting the date palm workshop in Abu Dhabi.

Particular thanks to H.H. Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chancellor of UAE University, for holding the workshop under his patronage.

We extend our appreciation to H.E. Saeed Mohamed Al Ragabani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, MAF, UAE for his continued support during the preparation for the workshop. Our thanks are also extended to H.E. Eng. Rashid Khalfan Al-Shariqi, Deputy Minister and the organizing committee members from MAF for their efforts and time spent during the workshop.

An appreciation to the municipality of Abu Dhabi, Department of Agricultural Extension for arranging the field visits to Baniyass Research Station. Our thanks are also extended to the owner and management of Emirates Dates Factory (EDF), Al Saad at Al Ain for the generous hospitality during the visit.

Special thanks are due to the invited scientists, who have enriched this event with their knowledge and expertise.

Thanks to the participants of the GCC countries for the comprehensive reports and survey and for their active involvement in the workshop.

The workshop was financially supported from the GCC membership contribution to the CGIAR.