The flawless organisation of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 garnered many fans for the country around the world. It also gave the world the confidence that Qatar — despite its small size — is capable of pulling off massive events that are also highly complex.
Qatar’s next major event will be the six-month-long International Horticultural Exhibition Expo 2023 Doha, which will take place at Al Bidda Park from October 2 to March 28, 2024. With hardly three months left, Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) — the organisation which oversees and regulates World Expos — sounded confident about Qatar’s ability to pull off a memorable Expo 2023.
BIE Secretary General Dimitri Kerkentzes, who led a delegation to the Expo House and Al Bidda Park to assess their level of preparedness, was happy with the progress.
“The constructions’ progress is on schedule and everything will be in place for the grand opening. Three nations have already commenced work on their pavilions and other countries are expected to soon follow suit. A total of 80 nations are expected to participate in the Expo,” said Kerkentzes.
However, he stressed that he always valued quality over quantity.
“I’d be happy if we’re just about 40 countries because I want strong content. I think it’s important that Doha and the world deserve very strong content. The forthcoming Expo will not just be about gardens and pavilions, but a comprehensive thematic programme consisting of seminars and forums,” he said.
He hoped the event would lead to something greater, given its timing which coincides with COP28, a crucial sustainability-focused conference. He said the aim was to leave behind a substantial intellectual legacy, surpassing previous achievements of horticultural expos.
Expo 2023 Doha’s Secretary General Engr. Mohammed Ali Al Khouri said construction work for the event had been completed.
“All work on the venue for this significant international event has been completed and it’ll be open to welcome visitors beginning September, one month prior to the official opening,” he said.
“The main part of the Expo will coincide with Qatar’s most favourable climatic months – December, January, and February. We expect to attract over three million visitors to the Expo over six months,” added Al Khouri.
The Expo’s site will extend beyond the event proper, with it serving as a hub for further information and enrichment.
The Expo, originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will run under the theme ‘Green Desert, Better Environment.’ It will aim to address challenges faced by hot desert nations in terms of desertification and sustainability.
Two key entities — Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport — recently joined hands with Expo 2023 Doha.
Representatives of Expo 2023 Doha had also signed an agreement of cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council at Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality.
Expo 2023 Doha’s National Committee Chairman and Minister of Municipality Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie officially received the event’s flag from 2019 organisers Beijing, China, during a spectacular ceremony.
