Syed Hussein Al -Qassab
Bahrain has signed an agreement to host the International Observatory of Dates, which is the first of its kind in the world in collecting, analyzing and publishing data related to the dates market, in a move that reflects the international status of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its growing role in supporting agricultural and economic initiatives.
This project comes to put Bahrain at the heart of international efforts to develop the dates industry and enhance its position in global trade.
– The start of the idea
The idea of ​​establishing the International Observatory of Dates was launched from the International Dates Council, which is chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and includes more than 15 productive and manufactured Arab countries, in addition to specialized international organizations.
During the fourth session of the Council held in Riyadh in November 2024, the observatory’s establishment initiative was presented, where Bahrain received a welcome and support for members to host it due to its distinct regional and international position.
– Observatory’s goals and tasks
The observatory aims to collect, analyze and publish data related to the dates market globally, to be a reliable reference for decision -makers and member states.
It also contributes to enhancing transparency in international markets and supporting global dates trade, as well as preserving agricultural heritage. The observatory is a strategic tool to support decisions based on accurate indicators and approved scientific standards.
– The advantages of hosting Bahrain to the observatory
The establishment of the observatory in Bahrain represents a strategic step that enhances its position as a regional and international center in the dates sector, as it will contribute to the consolidation of the Kingdom’s reputation as a center specialized in the dates trade and its databases, and to encourage innovation in the production and marketing of dates and its derived products, as well as providing a platform for exchanging knowledge and experiences between producing and consuming countries, and supporting coordination efforts with international organizations to develop the dates industry globally.
Legal procedures and agreement
The agreement to establish the International Observatory of Dates was signed on Monday, September 22, 2025 in Manama, and stipulates that it entered into force as soon as the Bahrain government notified the completion of the necessary legal procedures, as the agreement will remain in effect for an unlimited period, with the possibility of ending with a prior notification six months ago through diplomatic channels.
Operating information of the observatory
The observatory will start its work from offices in Bahrain that will be determined later, while the Dates Council will ensure employee salaries and employment costs, as these procedures will begin after completing the official signature of the agreement, ensuring a practical and organized start for the observatory.
Regional and international repercussions
Bahrain’s choice of hosting the observatory reflects the confidence of the international community in its ability to transform strategic initiatives into influential work platforms to confirm its active role in the field of food security and agricultural innovation, and enhances its position as a vital bridge for international cooperation in one of the most important agricultural and commercial industries in the world.
– Finally
With the launch of the International Observatory of Dates from Manama, Bahrain’s position is established as an incubator for leading projects with an international dimension, and a major contribution to advancing sustainable agricultural and commercial development.
This project also opens broad prospects for member states to cooperate and exchange experiences, with the establishment of the presence of the dates industry in global markets, and enhances the region’s contribution to achieving global food security.
