The Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, has travelled to Qatar as part of a Technical Visit to review preparations forHorticultural Expo 2023 Doha. The visit comes less than 100 days until the opening of the Expo, which will welcome visitors between 2 October 2023 and 28 March 2024.

　　The Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes (left) and HE Minister of Municipality Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie,(right)

　　The two-day visit to Doha included meetings with key Government and Expo officials including the Minister of Municipality of Qatar and Chairman of Expo 2023 Doha’s National Committee, H.E. Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie.

　　On 5 July, the Secretary General toured the 170-hectare Expo site, located in Doha’s Al Bidda Park, where work is close to completion on major facilities and pavilions, including the Expo House, the Mascot House and the Green Tunnel.

　　The Secretary General also reviewed progress on international pavilions and gardens, situated within the ‘International Zone’ of the Expo site. More than 80 countries and international organisations are set to participate in the next Horticultural Expo.

　　Following the presentation of a progress report to the 172nd General Assembly of the BIE on 20 June, the Secretary General of Expo 2023 Doha, Mohammed Ali Alkhoori provided further updates on Expo 2023 Doha’s communications activities, events calendar and initiatives being organised surrounding its theme,“Green Desert, Better Environment”.

　　The BIE Secretary General indicated:“The first Horticultural Expo to be organised in the Middle East is now in its final stages of preparation, with the finishing touches being made to ensure a unique visitor experience from October. In less than 100 days, I look forward to discovering the beautiful, innovative and inspirational gardens and exhibits inspired by the Expo’s underlying goal of mitigating desertification and promoting sustainability.”

　　Horticultural Expos have been recognised by the BIE since 1960 and are aimed at fostering cooperation and the sharing of knowledge and solutions between countries, horticultural producers and agricultural industry by addressing the paramount issues of healthy lifestyles, green economies, sustainable living, education and innovation.

　　The Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes (left) and the Secretary General of Expo 2023 Doha, Mohammed Ali Alkhoori (right)