Doha, Qatar: With the highly anticipated Expo 2023 Doha just three months away, a senior official from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the organisation responsible for overseeing and regulating World Expos, has expressed confidence that Qatar will be fully prepared for the momentous six-month event commencing in October.
Yesterday, a delegation from the BIE visited the Expo House and Al Bidda Park to assess the latest developments regarding the half-year event.
BIE Secretary General, Dimitri Kerkentzes reassured that the construction progress is on schedule. He noted that everything will be in place for the grand opening, emphasising the importance of countries initiating preparations for their pavilions and expressing his satisfaction that three of them have already commenced their works.
Kerkentzes disclosed that a total of 80 countries will participate in the Expo. However, he stressed that he values quality over quantity, stating: “I would be happy if we are just about 40 countries, because I want strong content and I think it’s important enough that Doha and the world deserve a very strong content.”
The Secretary General highlighted that the forthcoming Expo encompasses more than just gardens or pavilions, but also a comprehensive thematic programme consisting of seminars and forums.
He expressed his hope that the event will lead to something greater, particularly given the timing coinciding with COP28, a crucial sustainability-focused conference. Kerkentzes highlighted that an event lasting six months has the potential to have a greater impact, which is why the organisers and the government are diligently working on developing a robust thematic programme that involves various specialised agencies and organisations worldwide. He said that the aim is to leave behind a substantial intellectual legacy, surpassing previous achievements of horticultural expos.
On a separate note, Expo 2023 Doha Secretary General, Engr. Mohammed Ali Al Khouri, confirmed that the construction works for this significant international event have been completed, and the venue will be ready to welcome visitors starting in September, one month prior to the official opening.
Al Khouri highlighted that the peak of the event would coincide with Qatar’s most favourable climatic months – December, January, and February.
He underscored Qatar’s commitment to completing preparations swiftly while maintaining the highest quality standards to attract over three million visitors. Al Khouri stressed that these visits are not limited to the Expo’s duration but will extend beyond, with the Expo site serving as a hub for information and enrichment, particularly considering that it is the first time such an event is being held in a desert country.
Scheduled to run from October 2, to March 28, 2024, Expo 2023 Doha will span 179 days, making it the second-largest event Qatar will host after the World Cup in 2022.
Originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Expo carries the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment” and aims to address the challenges faced by hot desert nations in terms of desertification and sustainability.
It will serve as a platform to showcase the development of agriculture, the greening of cities, and inspire visitors through the subthemes of modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness, and sustainability. The event seeks to foster successful international collaborations that promote a thriving green lifestyle within desert environments.
An estimated three million visitors from around the globe are expected to attend Expo 2023 Doha, engaging in an enriching six-month experience.
