Page 7 - Date Palm_EA Book_English

Support for growers and farmers includes the development of skills and expertise; promotion of products, through lo- cal, regional and international exhibitions and festivals; and the development of new products made from date palms, expanding on traditional uses.
Date palm produce has diversified into a variety of food products, while other parts of the tree are sourced as raw materials for home furnishings, decorative items and gifts. The tree that provided for such a wide variety of peoples’ needs in the past is now behind many innovations and uses today.
The lives of the people of this region have been closely in- terlinked with the date palm since ancient times. It has been a source of many blessings, such as food, medicine, hous- ing, tools and home furnishings. It has also been a source of movement and transportation, leading to trade, cultural exchange and civilised communication with other societies. Date palms have always been a vital source of raw materi- als. Traditional homes known as ‘areesh were built from its trunks and fronds and then filled with furniture and utensils made from its wicker.