Welcome to Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar

The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has approved an application from The State of Qatar to host an A1 International Horticultural Exhibition in 2021/22. The approval of Expo 2021 Doha (Qatar) was finalised in March 2018 with formal recognition by the BIE (Bureau International des Expositions) on 22 November 2018.

With a theme focused on greening the desert and improving the environment the Expo will take place in Doha, Qatar from late 2021 to early 2022. It will cover at least 50 hectares and is expected to attract 3 million visitors.

Expo 2021 Qatar will be organised in the context that climate, water and soil are indispensable and endangered resources. Based on the Qatar National Vision 2030 the objectives of Expo 2021 Qatar are:

• Host the first horticultural exhibition in a region with a desert climate
• Invite the global horticultural sector to share knowledge and experience in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
• To lead the region in how the Green City Concept can be applied in the Middle East
• Encourage horticultural innovation around the climate, water and soil situation in Qatar
• To stimulate international investments and business opportunities for foreign countries in Qatar
• Establish a connection between green, sport and human health
• Develop an ‘international park’ in support of the FIFA World Cup 2022

Commenting on the approval AIPH Secretary General, Mr. Tim Briercliffe said “The approval of this Expo marks an exciting new opportunity for developing horticulture and city greening in Qatar and the broader Middle East region. This will be a unique opportunity for the world to demonstrate how plants and the landscape can address challenges faced by hot, desert countries and we very much look forward to working with the Government of Qatar to make this a great event which will held just one year before they host the FIFA World Cup.”

His Excellency Abdulla Bin Abdulaziz Al Subai, Minster of Municipality and Environment in the State of Qatar, said “It is of utmost importance to consider the Expo 2021 Doha as a catalyst for boosting the construction of parks, the development of horticulture and the planting of flowers, plants and trees in harsh climates in terms of heat, salinity and aridity. Thus, we are very proud that Doha is hosting an interactive, multi-purpose Expo with goals to enhance the natural environment at an international level. We hope that many countries will want to participate in such an important and interactive event with their own inspiring content. We will encourage countries to share their technology and knowledge with nations that manage harsh climates so we can find radical solutions for the benefit of all. As we live most of our lives in cities, we should consider the beauty of cities and green areas as both vital and significant”.

AIPH approves International Horticultural Exhibitions in accordance with the AIPH Regulations for International Horticultural Exhibitions (http://aiph.org/marketing-and-exhibitions/) and Article 4.B.2 of the International Convention Relating to International Exhibitions. Approval is granted subject to conditions. Approval of A1 International Horticultural Exhibitions is also subject to recognition by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE – www.bie-paris.org).

This article was published at AIPH website. Click here to see the original.

During the 165th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) on 28 May, Organisers of Horticultural Expo 2021 Doha presented Member States with an overview of the event, themed “Green Desert, Better Environment”.

For Jamal Al-Kaabi, representing the Ministry of Municipality & Environment of Qatar, this theme is of major importance in the context of growing international consciousness of global warming and climate change. Expo 2021 Doha will thus aim to raise awareness of the dangers of desertification, while also inspiring visitors by proposing solutions to promote a prosperous green life in the desert.

The location of the Expo - in Doha’s Al Bidda park, close to the city’s historical centre – responds to this aim, making it easy to access for visitors and integrating an existing natural reserve with minimum disruption. Dr. Fayqa Ashkanani, Planning & Quality Department Director at the Ministry, explained that the site location means it can benefit from existing infrastructure and facilities, reducing Expo 2021 Doha’s environmental footprint.

Member States heard that the site will feature three distinct zones, with the international gardens to be located in the principal Exhibition Park. The other two zones – the Family Park and the Cultural Park – will be located nearby, featuring a range of exhibitions as well as cultural and educational activities.

In terms of the content of the Expo, Dr. Ashkanani gave more details on the theme and its four subthemes: “Modern Agriculture”, “Technology & Innovation”, “Environmental Awareness” and, “Sustainability”. Aiming at finding a degree of balance between different global goals and challenges, these subthemes “will have a wide range of applications” and will help participant countries develop their exhibition spaces and gardens.

This article was published at BIE website. Click here to see the original.

The 164th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) today formally recognised Expo 2021 Doha as an International Horticultural Exhibition.

Taking place in Doha, Qatar, between 2 October 2021 and 28 March 2022, the Horticultural Expo will be organised under the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment”.

The formal recognition, approved by Member States of the BIE, was followed by the ceremonial handing of the BIE flag to H.E. Abdulla Bin Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al Subaie, the Minister of Municipality and Environment of the State of Qatar.

The Secretary General of the BIE, Vicente G. Loscertales commented: “Expo 2021 Doha will be the first Horticultural Expo in the Middle East and North Africa region, addressing the urgent challenge of desertification and sustainability in a changing global climate. With BIE recognition, we now look forward to the Expo project becoming a reality, with Qatar inviting participants from across the world.”

Horticultural Expo 2021 Doha will mark the 50th anniversary of Qatar’s independence and will be held on a 80-hectare site located in central Doha. With “Green Desert, Better Environment” as its overarching theme, the Expo aims to encourage, inspire and inform people about innovative solutions and reduction of desertification. The theme will be supported by four subthemes – Modern Agriculture, Technology & Innovation, Environmental Awareness and Sustainability.

Since 1960, the BIE has recognised 23 International Horticultural Exhibitions. The aim of Horticultural Expos is to promote and support a more harmonious relationship between people and nature. The gardens exhibited at these Expos reflect the cooperation, goodwill and commitment of the international community to protect, preserve and enhance the diversity and promises of nature.

The most recent Horticultural Expo gathered over 4.5 million visitors in Antalya, Turkey, in 2016. The next Horticultural Expo will take place in Beijing, China, between 29 April and 7 October 2019, under the theme “Live Green, Live Better.”

This article was published at BIE website. Click here to see the original.