The International Award of the National Center for Palms and Dates

• Introduction to the service

  The National Centre for Palms and Dates International Prize was launched with the vision of advancing innovation and research within the palms and dates industry. The prize is awarded annually and aims to accelerate the development of novel solutions, projects, and products that can enhance the sustainability and quality of palms and dates globally. The prize recognizes achievements in three key categories: Best Scientific Research, Innovative Technology, and New Product Development: Additionally, the prize encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange, fostering a global network of researchers and innovators dedicated to improving the palms and dates industry. By supporting these efforts, the prize plays a pivotal role in driving sustainability, quality improvement, and new discoveries in the sector.

• Service Objectives

  • Contributing to the achievement of national priorities in research, development, and innovation

   

  • Honoring entities, organizations, and individuals who contribute to the advancement of the dates palm sector

   

  • Encouraging innovation and practical solutions to develop unique technologies, products, and practices in the dates palm sector

   

  • Attracting talented individuals, researchers, innovators, creatives, and experts in the dates palm sector

• General Application Requirements

  • Submissions must be in Arabic or English languages
  • For all NCPD International Prize categories, nominees’ work (Research article/product/technology) must not already be used for other awards and previous national or international competitions.
  •  Winners of any round may not re-apply for candidacy until three years.
  • Entrants could only apply for a single category. Multiple applications from a single person for different categories will not be entertained.
  • All application files will be kept at the headquarters of the NCPD International Prize secretariat in the strictest secrecy and must not be returned to candidates, whether they win or not.
  • The applicant specifies the framework in which the work was carried out and the potential and active partners as well as the source(s) of financing. potential and active partners, and funding source(s).

• Application Requirements by Category

  Best Scientific Research Award:

  • Applicants must submit an official letter (on institutional letterhead) declaring that the submitted results/innovations are solely the outcome of their own research.
  • Applicants may submit a minimum of one and a maximum of three scientific papers related to the proposed topic.

  Award for Excellence in Innovative Palm Technologies:

  • Individual applicants must submit a formal letter on their institution’s letterhead declaring that the results/innovations are solely their own work.
  • If the applicant is an organization, the application must be officially submitted by the head of the entity (e.g., universities, research centers, private companies, institutions, or startups).

  New Product Development Award:

  • Individual applicants must submit a formal letter on their institution’s letterhead declaring that the results/innovations are solely their own work.
  • If the applicant is an organization, the application must be officially submitted by the head of the entity (e.g., universities, research centers, private companies, institutions, or startups).

• Priority Areas

  • Environmental Sustainability
  • Water and Irrigation Systems
  • Innovative Biotechnology
  • Good Agricultural Practices and Innovative Technologies
  • Food and Processing Industries
  • Integrated Pest and Disease Management

• Prize Timeline

  Application Start Date:

  July 1, 2025

  Application Deadline:

  September 10, 2025

  Initial Screening:

  September 15, 2025

  Judging Phase:

  September 20, 2025

  Winners Announcement:

  During the International Date Palm World Conference and Exhibition, which will be held on November 15, 2025, for a duration of 10 days.

• Frequently asked questions about the service

  What is the National Center for Palms and Dates International Award

  The National Centre for Palms and Dates International Prize is an annual award that aims to promote excellence and innovation in the global palm and dates sector by recognizing outstanding scientific research, innovative technologies, and new product development—contributing to the improvement of quality and sustainability in the industry.

  Who organizes the International Palms and Dates Prize

  The prize is organized by the National Centre for Palms and Dates.

  Who can apply for the prize

  The prize is open to all individuals and entities from around the world.

  What are the main prize categories

  • Best Scientific Research Award
  • Award for Excellence in Innovative Palm Technologies
  • New Product Development Award

  What is the application deadline

  10/9/2025

  Can participants apply for more than one category

  No, participants may apply for only one category.

  What languages are accepted for submission

  Arabic or English only.

  Can a previously submitted work for another award be reused

  Yes, submissions must not have been submitted to other awards or competitions.

  Can previous winners apply again

  Yes, but only after three years from their winning date.

  Is the prize limited to Saudi nationals

  No, it is open to individuals and organizations worldwide.

  What are the priority areas encouraged by the prize

  • Environmental sustainability

  • Water and irrigation systems

  • Innovative biotechnology

  • Good agricultural practices and innovative techniques

  • Food and processing industries

  • Integrated pest and disease management

  Are there specific requirements for submitting a research or product

  Yes, a formal declaration on institutional letterhead is required, and the details vary by category.

  Can the application be edited after submission

  No, once submitted, the application cannot be modified.

  Can an applicant withdraw after submission

  Yes, withdrawal is possible by contacting the prize team at:
  ncpd_prize@ncpd.gov.sa

  What criteria will be used for evaluation

  Best Scientific Research Award

  • Accuracy and quality of the work
  • Originality and creativity
  • Relevance to the proposed topic
  • Global impact (educational, social, economic, environmental)
  • Contribution to the development of the palm and dates sector
  • Problem-solving level
  • Effectiveness of the research

  Excellence in Innovative Palm Technologies Award

  • Originality and creativity
  • Quality of the work
  • Relevance to the proposed topic
  • Target market
  • Competitive advantage
  • Feasibility and market potential
  • Global impact (educational, social, economic, environmental)
  • Contribution to the development of the palm and dates sector
  • Importance of the addressed problem
  • Effectiveness of the solution
  • Global impact of the submitting entity (educational, social, economic, environmental)

  New Product Development Award:

  • Originality and creativity
  • Quality of the work
  • Relevance to the proposed topic
  • Target market
  • Competitive advantage
  • Feasibility and market potential
  • Quality of the product presentation
  • Global impact (educational, social, economic, environmental)
  • Contribution to the development of the palm and dates sector
  • Importance of the addressed problem
  • Effectiveness of the product in solving the problem

  Is it mandatory for winners to attend the award ceremony

  Yes, winners must attend the ceremony to receive the prize.