- More than 50 countries have already signed up to participate, and organisers are expecting to reach target of 80 national pavilions
Preparations are on track to invite the world once again to Qatar, this time to experience Expo 2023 Doha - the first International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH)-approved A1 World Horticultural Expo in the Middle East.An international delegation of AIPH officials visited multiple locations to assess the progress made by the Ministry of Municipality, including the first-ever tour of Expo House, Expo 2023 Doha’s unique legacy building.Covered in greenery, the House has the form of a hill and is integrated into the landscape of Al Bidda Park. It is shaped like a semicircle, with a vast open space in front of it, and a fountain as a centrepiece, while the benches along the sides of the pavilion form a natural amphitheatre, offering stunning views and a perfect spot for the Expo’s events and gatherings, a press statement notes.The delegation was also able to evaluate the development of infrastructure elsewhere in Al Bidda Park, which will be the home of EXPO 2023 Doha for six months from October 2, 2023, until March 28, 2024. The event will occupy 1.7mn sqm and will be divided into three zones – International Zone, Family Zone and Cultural Zone.Expo 2023 Doha will host a myriad of activities, entertainment, and edutainment for all visitors, including ministers and official delegations from the countries participating, as well as business visitors, horticulture aficionados, tourists, families and children.HE Ambassador Bader al-Dafa, Expo 2023 Doha Commissioner-General, said: "It has been an honour to welcome the president of AIPH and his delegation to Qatar. We have successfully demonstrated that we are ready to host this prestigious event with more than 50 countries already signed up to participate. We are expecting to reach the target of 80 national pavilions, and we invite all countries to join this exceptional event in Qatar.”Leonardo Capitanio, AIPH President, said: "Qatar is creating a magnificent Expo that I am convinced will attract many visitors from Qatar, the region and from around the world. It is a special opportunity for people to experience the first World Horticultural Expo to take place in a desert region. It is clear that the Government of Qatar is committed to making this event a great success.”Tim Briercliffe, AIPH Secretary-General, added: "With the theme of Green Desert, Better Environment, this Expo will lead the way in bringing the countries of the world together to showcase ideas and solutions for the future while at the same time creating an unmissable visitor experience. It has been encouraging to see all the preparation work completed and underway and I know that Expo 2023 Doha Qatar will become an event for Qatar to be proud of long into the future.”Expo 2023 Doha will be the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition to be held in Qatar, the Middle East, and North Africa.