The International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has formally approved Expo 2029 Garden in Baghdad, granting Iraq the honour of hosting its first AIPH-approved International Green Expo. The decision was taken by AIPH Members on Monday, 15 September, following the International Horticultural Expo Conference during the 77th AIPH Annual Congress in Ghent, Belgium.
The approval followed a detailed application process, an official on-site inspection in August, and a formal letter of endorsement from the Prime Minister of Iraq, H.E. Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani. In his letter, the Prime Minister confirmed that the Government of Iraq has designated Expo 2029 Garden in Baghdad as a national strategic priority: “On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Iraq, I confirm our steadfast commitment to host Expo 2029 Garden in Baghdad… this project is endorsed as a national strategic priority, with full political support and a dedicated site prepared in accordance with international standards.”
Mr Muhammad Ali Macitoğlu, CEO of Expo 2029 Garden, opened the presentation by outlining the vision and ambitions for the exhibition. He described the Expo as “an outstanding event that reflects Iraq’s history, culture, and promising future. We would love to see you in Baghdad”.
He was followed by Mr Harun Güzel, who delivered the detailed presentation, including reading the Prime Minister’s letter of endorsement and placing the Expo in a historic perspective. Güzel described Mesopotamia as “the birthplace of humanity’s oldest civilisations” and explained how the theme, “Green Light In Desert,” would showcase horticultural innovation in arid climates while honouring Iraq’s agricultural heritage.
Scheduled to run from 1st October 2029 to 1st April 2030, the Expo will transform a 375-hectare site along the Tigris River into a global platform for horticulture, culture, and innovation. Situated 25 kilometres from the city centre, the riverside location offers the potential for green living environments despite Iraq’s desert climate. The masterplan includes cultural gardens, business centres, national pavilions, and renewable energy projects.
Organisers have set the goal of attracting 50 participating countries, with a target of 4 million international visitors and 8 million from Iraq over the six-month exhibition period. Infrastructure commitments include new road networks linking the international airport to the city centre and Expo site, alongside major improvements to water, electricity, and telecommunications.
Expo 2029 Garden in Baghdad is set to be the largest horticultural exhibition to be staged in Mesopotamia and the Middle East region, linking Iraq’s ancient agricultural legacy with modern solutions for sustainability, water management, and climate adaptation. Its impact will extend far beyond the six-month event. Organisers anticipate that the Expo will support the expansion of Baghdad’s hospitality sector, create new jobs and opportunities, while also engaging the city’s 32 universities and more than 270,000 students in research and innovation. Legacy plans aim to transform the site into a multifaceted international district for art, culture, sports, and green innovation.
Accepting the approval in Ghent, Mr Haider El Sarifi, Consul of Iraq in Brussels, reinforced the country’s determination: “The Government of Iraq is determined to make Expo 2029 Garden in Baghdad a platform for sustainability, innovation, and strengthening international cooperation. Baghdad takes pride in hosting you in our green spaces and beautifully developed land, serving as a testament of Iraq’s will to open up to the world and contribute to building a better future.”
Reflecting on the approval, AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio commented: “Every new Expo represents a step forward in our shared mission to place horticulture at the heart of a sustainable urban future. With the approval of Baghdad, we see the growing global momentum to harness the transformative role of plants in shaping the cities and societies of tomorrow.”
This milestone marks Iraq’s first AIPH-approved International Green Exhibition, reinforcing AIPH’s mission to celebrate the power of plants and foster international collaboration through horticultural Expos.
