80 countries to take part in 2023 horticultural expo

The International Horticultural Expo (Doha Expo 2023) will be held from October 2, 2023, until March 28, 2024, with the participation of 80 countries along with a number of international organisations, representatives of the private sector, non-governmental organisations and the general public.The Ministry of Municipality Wednesday announced the dates and other details of the expo, which will take place at Al Bidda Park in Doha under the slogan 'Green Desert, Better Environment'.HE the Minister of Municipality and President of the National Committee for Doha Expo 2023 Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaei stressed that Qatar, under the wise vision of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is taking pioneering steps to support a greener environment due to its firm realisation that climate, water and soil are indispensable resources.He said during a speech on the occasion of the announcement of Doha Expo 2023 that by hosting this special edition of the International Horticultural Expo, which is sponsored by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), they seek to promote international co-operation on environmental and cultural issues, and to address the common global challenge of desertification.HE the Minister expressed pride for Doha Expo 2023 to be a catalyst for change by hosting an international exhibition of this magnitude and providing an effective forum for dialogue on this pressing issue. He expressed keenness to pave the way for the international exchange of innovation and technology in order to facilitate the global transformation into greener cities in the world.In this context, HE the Minister referred to Qatar receiving in November 2019 the official banner for hosting the first International Horticultural Expo in the Middle East and North Africa. Qatar was distinguished by its multiple activities and active participation in a number of international horticultural exhibitions, the last of which was Expo 2019 Beijing, where Qatar took part with a large and distinguished pavilion.HE Dr al-Subaei highlighted the support of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani to establish a national committee for Qatar's hosting of the International Horticultural Expo. The committee includes partners from government agencies, namely the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Environment & Climate Change, Finance, Culture, Sports & Youth, Transport, Information & Communications Technology, and Commerce & Industry, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Qatar Tourism and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.He affirmed that the committee is continuing its preparations to host Doha Expo 2023 despite the challenges related to the Covid-19 pandemic at the local and global levels. He praised the efforts of the team led by the director of the Public Parks Department and secretary-general of the Committee, Mohamed Ali al-Khoury, who continue to plan and work with full force and with the speed required to organise an "unforgettable event".He expressed hope that global health conditions will continue to change positively so that everyone can celebrate the opening of Doha Expo 2023 on October 2, 2023, which will include six months of activities and celebrations with the participating international community.HE the Minister stressed the important role of all governmental, semi-governmental and private sectors, which will support the country's efforts to make this event distinguished at all levels, as it is the first international horticultural exhibition in the region. During a press conference held Wednesday, al-Khoury explained that the International Horticultural Expo (Category A1) will be held for the first time in Qatar, and will be the first international horticultural exhibition of its kind to take place in the Middle East and North Africa.Al-Khoury said the exhibition is being launched under the auspices of the BIE, the intergovernmental organisation responsible for supervising and organising all international exhibitions, and the International Society for Horticultural Science, an international non-governmental organisation specialised in encouraging workers in the horticultural sector.He noted that gardening is the art of growing plants in gardens to produce food and medicinal ingredients or for convenience and ornamental purposes. The expo has the primary mission of sharing experiences and solutions to improve the quality of life in cities through the development of horticulture in the 21st century.Al-Khoury spoke about the exhibition's slogan, 'Green Desert, Better Environment', chosen for Doha Expo 2023 that aims to inspire and inform visitors of innovative solutions and reduce environmental desertification. The slogan includes four sub-themes that pave the way to provide a unique experience for visitors not only by providing them with useful information but also to motivate them to physically and intellectually participate, inspiring them to be part of the change. The sub-themes are Modern Agriculture, Technology and Innovation, Environmental Awareness, and Sustainability.Qatar is proud to host the expo, which will witness the participation of 80 countries along with a number of international organisations, representatives of the private sector, non-governmental organisations and the general public over an area of 1.7mn sqm at the picturesque Al Bidda Park, he stressed.The exhibition will provide an opportunity for 3mn visitors to learn about multi-activities, including exceptional exhibitions, diplomatic meetings, business meetings and public discussions. This is expected to have a profound impact and legacy on Qatar, the region and the world at large, as it includes a mix of healthy lifestyles, green economies, sustainable lifestyles, education, entertainment and innovation, he added.Based on the importance of this event, al-Khoury expressed keenness to design a logo that celebrates the power of teamwork so that it is appealing, culturally appropriate, and contemporary in visual terms, and Doha Expo 2023 will witness a local, regional and international campaign to promote this unique event, encouraging the world to visit Qatar and live an unforgettable experience through this special event, al-Khoury said.He expressed an aspiration to host and welcome local, regional and international authorities, companies and families that will co-operate to ensure the success of the International Horticultural Expo 2023 and for it to be another milestone within Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to build a better tomorrow.Director of the Events and Corporate Communication Department, Expo Doha 2023, Haifa al-Otaibi, highlighted the ability of the leadership of Qatar in hosting prominent major global events and its readiness to hold this major global event after the country recorded a number of achievements and initiatives in the field of horticulture, which will be displayed at the exhibition. Al-Otaibi noted that the location of the exhibition - Al Bidda Park - is one of the most popular public places in the heart of Doha. The site will be divided into three areas that will be designed and equipped to enhance a unique and distinctive experience. There will be an international area, which will be the exhibition gate and the focal point for the garden, international exhibitions and events; the families area, which will be a family hotspot for activities, gatherings, and hobbies in the open air to spread the spirit of fun and entertainment; and finally, the cultural area, which will be the ideal place to host cultural and heritage activities and exhibitions due to its proximity to the historical centre of Doha and its archaeological landmarks.