Doha, 29 March 2024

The International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, a monumental event hosted in Doha, Qatar, concluded on Thursday 28th March 2024 at the Al Bidda Park which took off 02 October 2023, leaving a significant mark on the horticultural landscape of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).  The International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha honored the winning pavilions in recognition of their outstanding contributions and efforts throughout the months of the Expo.

The winning pavilions were selected by a jury of ten specialized experts from Qatar, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), and the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH).

Present on the occasion were Minister of Municipality of Qatar and Chairman of Expo 2023 Doha Organizing Committee, Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah;  President of BIE Alain Berger; President of AIPH Leonardo Capitano; Expo 2023 Doha Commissioner General Ambassador Bader bin Omar Al Dafa; Secretary-General of Expo 2023 Doha Organizing Committee, Dr. Faiqa Ashkanani; a number of ministers; heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the State of Qatar; pavilion commissioners; and guests.

This expo, noted for being the first A1 International Horticultural Exhibition in the MENA region, drawing in an astounding attendance of over four million visitors, surpassing its initial expectations. During the 179 days of its operation, the expo saw the participation of 77 countries, showcasing the global interest and the diverse cultural and technological exchanges that took place.

Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah highlighted the expo's achievements, including the organization of approximately 7,000 events ranging from national celebrations and seminars to stage performances and workshops, focusing on crucial themes like sustainability, modern agriculture, and environmental awareness.

He said that this grand event not only served as a platform for showcasing innovations in horticulture and agriculture but also aimed at addressing pressing global challenges such as desertification and the need for a sustainable environment. The expo's success was a testament to Qatar's commitment to aligning with its national vision for 2030, which focuses on sustainability and environmental protection. It also underlined the nation's efforts towards using natural resources wisely, fostering a sustainable society, and preparing for future environmental challenges, AlAttiya added.

Commenting on the award ceremony, Expo 2023 Doha Commissioner General, Ambassador Bader bin Omar Al Dafa said that the event celebrates 6 consecutive months of concerted efforts by all participating countries, adding: "We were pleased to meet the representatives of all countries that have graced Expo 2023 Doha with their effective and positive participation. We offer sincere congratulations to the winners for the well-deserved awards, and express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all participating countries, institutions, organizations, and entities whose combined efforts helped us attract millions of visitors and added a unique touch to this world-class event which brings us closer than ever to delivering the objectives stated in the Qatar National Vision 2030, which we have made sure to include in the Expo's mission statement and main themes given their importance to our wise leadership and future generations in Qatar and the world."

Secretary-General of Expo 2023 Doha Organizing Committee, Dr. Faiqa Ashkanani, affirmed that the success achieved by this edition in terms of participation, visitor numbers, workshops, entertainment programs, innovative initiatives, and Guinness World Records achievements was not coincidental but rather the result of years of work, efforts, and preparations that continued during the exhibition. She pointed out that behind these efforts was a harmonious team keen on delivering this major event in a manner befitting Qatar and astounding all who participated in it.

She added that after six months of continuous successes, Thursday marks the conclusion of Expo 2023 Doha, which has surpassed expectations by achieving all its objectives. She noted that this success prompted some countries to participate in the exhibition's final weeks and contributed to forging partnerships with various countries, enabling the exploration of their cultures, tourism potentials, and investment and commercial opportunities. She emphasized that these relationships will continue beyond the exhibition.

Dr. Ashkanani further stated that a committee will be formed to evaluate the exhibition and build on it in the future, developing a plan to utilize some of the existing structures in organizing events and enhancing environmental awareness across different segments of society as a sustainable legacy of the exhibition. She expressed her appreciation for the Expo team and the organizing committee for their valued efforts, which have led to this great success.

The expo's conclusion was marked by an awards ceremony that recognized the contributions of participating countries, highlighting their innovations and efforts towards sustainability and environmental preservation. The pavilions were judged by a panel of experts, and awards were distributed across various categories, celebrating achievements in design, education, hospitality, and more. This ceremony was a fitting end to an event that not only celebrated horticultural excellence but also facilitated international cooperation and dialogue on environmental sustainability.

Minister of Municipality and Chairman of Expo 2023 Doha Organizing Committee, Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah handed over the awards, which covered various categories and segments, including the award for self-constructed pavilions, which went to the UAE, as well as the large pavilion award which was swept up by the Republic of Korea and the midsized pavilion award that was garnered by Senegal. The gold medal for interior design went to the Japan pavilion, while the programming award went to Italy, Angola, and Mexico for self-constructed, large, and midsized pavilion, respectively.

Pakistan Pavilion was awarded Bronze Medal in Large Pavilion Category.

The Organizing Committee also celebrated the most educational exhibitions, with a special nod to Kuwait, the Arab League, and Cuba, as well as hospitality, where the medals were swept up by the GCC, Yemen, and Algeria.

Additionally, Turkiye was the recipient of the AIPH award, while Japan was chosen for the best product category. An award was also dedicated to pavilions that highlighted the main theme of Expo 2023 Doha, and Cabo Verde, Sudan, and Oman shared the spoils.

The theme 'Green Desert, Better Environment' perfectly encapsulated the expo's goals, drawing attention to the innovative solutions to combat desertification and promote sustainability. Al Bidda Park, the venue for the expo, provided a scenic backdrop for this international gathering, enriching the experience for visitors with its beautiful gardens, engaging talks, and cultural showcases.

Expo 2023 Doha was not just an event but a global platform that brought together nations, NGOs, and industry leaders to collaborate and share knowledge on horticultural practices, sustainable innovations, and environmental stewardship. It was a reflection of Qatar's dedication to environmental concerns and its active role in the international community's efforts to create a more sustainable and greener future.

International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha was a remarkable event that exceeded expectations in attendance, participation, and the breadth of topics covered. It set a precedent for future expos, especially in terms of focusing on environmental sustainability and innovative agricultural practices. The legacy of this expo will undoubtedly continue to influence the global dialogue on creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious world.

AIPH is The International Association of Horticultural Producers is an international nongovernmental organization (NGO) dedicated to promoting horticultural producers. AIPH aims to put flower, plant and landscaping services on a global agenda, with a vision to: 

Stimulate increased demand for ornamental trees, plants and flowers worldwide. 

•         Protect and promote the interests of the industry. 

•         Be an international hub for industry information and knowledge exchange. Lead best practice in ornamentals production. 

•         With a mandate agreed by an international convention, AIPH has been approving and regulating International Horticultural Expos, with BIE (www.bie-paris.org), since 1960. Enthusiasm for such Expos has continued to grow, with millions of people visiting Expos hosted all over the world. 

•         AIPH is a key international stakeholder in EXPO 2023 DOHA. www.aiph.org