Doha: The International Horticultural Exhibition, Expo 2023 Doha, will open on October 2, 2023, at Al Bidda Park, with the participation of 80 countries.
The six-month-long event, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), will run until March 28, 2024, under the theme ‘Green Desert Better Environment’. Spread across 1.7 million sqm, the Expo expects over three million visitors.
Minister of Municipality H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie said, in a statement: “By hosting this event we seek to promote international cooperation on environmental and cultural issues, and to address the common global challenge of desertification.”
The event would be held under the supervision of BIE.
“We are proud to be a catalyst for change by hosting an international exhibition of this scale and providing an arena for effective dialogue on this pressing issue. We are keen to pave the way for this international exchange of innovation and technology to facilitate the global transformation into greener cities in the world,” said the Minister.
Addressing a press conference to announce the event’s activities, Mohammed Ali Al Khouri, Director of Public Parks Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Secretary-General of the National Committee for hosting the expo, said the A1 International Horticultural Exhibition is being held for the first time in Qatar and will be the first of its kind in the Mena region.
He said this exhibition will be inaugurated under the auspices of BIE, an intergovernmental organization responsible for supervising and organising all international fairs; and the International Society for Horticultural Science, an international non-governmental organisation, specialised in encouraging workers in the horticultural sector. Al Khouri said horticulture is the art of growing plants in gardens to produce food and medicinal ingredients or for comfort and adornment purposes.
“The main theme of the exhibition ‘Green Desert Better Environment’ is selected to inspire visitors and inform them of innovative solutions and ways to reduce environmental desertification.”
He said the theme covers four sub-themes, including modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness, and sustainability. These themes will provide visitors with unique experiences, helpful information, motivate them to participate physically and intellectually, and inspire them to be part of the change. Al Khouri said Qatar is proud to host the expo, which will witness the participation of 80 countries along with several international organisations, representatives of the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and the general public to meet under one roof for interaction over 179 days. “This exhibition will provide an opportunity for three million visitors to learn about multi-activities, including exceptional exhibitions, diplomatic meetings, business meetings, and public discussions,” said Al Khouri.
Meanwhile, the Director of Events Department and Corporate Communication for Expo 2023 Doha, Haifa Al Otaibi, said the exhibition venue would be divided into three areas, International Zone, Family area, and Cultural District.
