ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates— The General Secretariat of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation announced the winners of the 17th “Date Palm Tree Through the Eyes of the World” photography competition.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, minister of tolerance and coexistence and chairman of the award’s board of trustees, the competition highlights the role of photography in documenting the relationship between people and nature while promoting shared human values.
Winners were selected across two categories.
In the “Date Palm Tree” category, Hamed AlGhanboosi won first place, followed by Sultan Alnaqeeb in second and Mohamed Al Jalandi in third.
In the “Humans and the Date Palm Tree” category, Majid bin Obaid Al Amri secured first place, with Shyjith Onden Cheriyath second and Mohsin Alhajri third.
Abdelouahhab Alboukhari Zaid, secretary-general of the award, said the competition reflects the UAE’s vision inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who regarded the date palm as a symbol of life, generosity and a deep connection to the land.
The competition attracted broad international participation, particularly from young photographers. A total of 54 photographers from 17 countries submitted 276 entries showcasing diverse cultural perspectives and environmental themes.
Organizers said the competition serves as a global platform that brings together creatives and promotes environmental awareness through visual storytelling, while highlighting the cultural and tourism value of the date palm.
The initiative also reflects the role of the Erth Zayed Philanthropies Foundation in supporting youth engagement and encouraging creative expression tied to sustainability and heritage.
The award continues to position the date palm as a global symbol connecting tradition and innovation, while encouraging younger generations to contribute to environmental protection and the preservation of natural resources.