Expo 2023 Doha ended on 28 March after welcoming 4.2 million visitors during its 179-day run. It explored the theme of “Green Desert, Better Environment” and was the first International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) approved A1 Expo in the Middle East. The closing Ceremony was a fitting tribute to the Expo Organisers’ endeavours.
The official closing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mr Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, the Minister of Municipality; H.E. Mr Bader bin Omar Al Dafa, the Expo 2023 Doha Commissioner General Ambassador; Dr Fayqa Ashkanani, the Expo 2023 Doha Secretary General; and many diplomatic heads of states from Europe and the Middle East and African regions.
H.E. Al Attiyah began formal closing proceedings, and in his statement, he said: “Expo 2023 Doha received the utmost care, attention and great participation from all governmental and private agencies and civil society institutions to achieve our common goals by finding innovative solutions to reduce the problems of desertification and create a green and sustainable environment for our current and future generations.”
AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio congratulated the State of Qatar on the success of Expo 2023 Doha. He said that this event has focused the world’s attention on creating a better environment in an arid climate. He congratulated the horticultural displays given by nations worldwide throughout the Expo site’s 170 hectares. This Expo has seen participation from 71 countries, with each garden and pavilion exhibiting ornamental horticulture and best practices.
In his speech, Mr Capitanio praised them, and he said, “Visitors have been able to visit the world in one go here in Doha, and every participant has played their part in bringing solutions for greening the desert. I was amazed by the spectacular gardens, innovations, and concepts shown during this Expo. A horticultural Expo in the desert seemed like an impossibility, but you have all made it a reality. In doing so, you have brought hope for the future.”
During the Closing Ceremony of the Horticultural Exhibition, a flag exchange ceremony symbolised continuity from one Expo to the next. The next A1 Expo will be the International Horticultural Exhibition Yokohama 2027, Japan. The flag exchange began with the horticultural approving body, the AIPH President, Mr Capitanio, and AIPH Secretary General, Mr Tim Briercliffe, and Expo 2023 Doha Secretary General Dr Ashkanani presenting the flag to Mr Hayami Sato, Under-Secretary-General of the Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama. The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the body responsible for recognising World Horticultural Expos, also participated in the flag exchange. The President of BIE, Mr Alain Berger, and the Secretary-General of BIE, Mr Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, presented their flag, with the help of H.E. Al Dafar, to the Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar, Mr Satoshi Maeda.
Expo 2023 Doha is now entering its legacy phase after hosting more than 6,000 events during its six months to educate visitors about sustainability, environmental awareness, modern agriculture, technology, and innovation and culturally inspire them through National Day celebrations.
The Expo site, Al Bidda Park, will return to the people of Qatar, and the thousands of trees, plants, and flowers will continue beautifying the landscape. The Qatar Pavilion remains a legacy building for park management. The Qatar Museum will curate the Expo House. It will continue the Expo’s horticultural aims to shape dialogue and behaviour in favour of sustainable practices and green technology through its educational programmes, including school visits and university partnerships.
To view Expo 2023 Doha’s Closing Ceremony, visit here.
To view the Expo 2027 Yokohama preparation progress, you can view their report at the AIPH Spring Meeting 2024, view here
