Date palms are a cornerstone of food security, culture, and economy in the Middle East and beyond, yet scientific innovation in this crop has lagged behind other major species. With rising challenges from climate change, pests, diseases, and the need for higher yields, advancing date palm biotechnology is essential for sustainable agriculture in arid regions. To address this, KAUST is hosting the KAUST Research Conference on Advances in Date Palm Biotechnology from 20–22 April 2026 on the KAUST campus in Thuwal, KSA.

This focused conference will bring together leading international scientists and early-career researchers to share cutting-edge research on genomics, breeding, physiology, pest management, and precision agriculture. Roundtable discussions will explore strategies for building a global research consortium and defining future priorities for date palm science.
The conference is sponsored by the Office of Research Administration (ORA) at KAUST.

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION Registration does not guarantee acceptance, as spaces are limited. You will be notified if your abstract is accepted. Register here.
Submission deadline is January 31, 2026.

Learn more about the conference here.