AIPH has welcomed the first edition of Myplant & Garden Middle East, recognising the Dubai launch as a strategically significant moment for green infrastructure and ornamental horticulture in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. Held from 15–17 November 2025 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City, the event opened with a strong institutional presence that underscored its importance for regional policy and sustainable development.
The fair was inaugurated by H.E. Mohammed Salman Alhammadi of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and H.E. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality. They were joined by high-ranking representatives, including the Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, Lorenzo Fanara, and Mirco Carloni, President of the Agriculture Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. Their presence highlighted the growing role of ornamental horticulture within wider international sustainability discussions.
In opening remarks, the Ministry emphasised the urgency of accelerating sustainable development through innovation, resource efficiency and strong public–private collaboration. Officials noted the essential contributions of floriculture, nursery production, and landscape design to improving urban liveability, expanding ecological corridors, and supporting climate-resilient cities. These priorities align closely with national and regional frameworks such as the UAE Green Agenda 2030 and the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040.
More than one hundred international and regional exhibitors participated in the show, with representation from Europe, the UAE, and Asia. Their displays reflected the increasing demand for arid-climate solutions, efficient irrigation systems, resilient plant varieties and technologies that support sustainable city growth. Across the three days, delegations of buyers from the GCC countries were joined by visitors from China, India, Africa and Europe, reinforcing the fair’s international dimension.
AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio took part in the inauguration and reflected on the relevance of the new platform for the global industry. “Opening MyPlant & Garden in the Middle East was an important signal for our industry. The region is accelerating its commitment to sustainability, and environmental policies are increasingly becoming a diplomatic language — a way for nations to express ambition, identity and international vision. In my remarks, I underlined that Dubai reminds the world that sustainability can also be a story of ambition, design, and humanity. MyPlant’s expansion into this region shows that our sector is ready to lead this transformation with quality, expertise and long-term vision.”
For AIPH, the emergence of a dedicated Middle Eastern edition aligns strongly with the Association’s mission to protect and promote ornamental horticulture, advocate for sustainable growing systems, and champion the essential role of plants in urban development. Growing investment in climate-resilient landscapes, irrigation efficiencies, nursery production, and green infrastructure across the Gulf highlights the rising value of plants in shaping liveable cities — and underlines why trusted global collaboration is increasingly needed.
AIPH Secretary General Tim Briercliffe emphasised how the event supports AIPH’s role as the sector’s international hub. He noted that new platforms such as Myplant & Garden Middle East help connect knowledge and strengthen the global network of growers and partners working to advance sustainable ornamental horticulture.
The Dubai edition complements the long-established success of Myplant & Garden 2026, an AIPH-Approved International Horticultural Trade Expo, returning to Milan, Italy, from 18–20 February 2026
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Building on the strong response to its debut, organisers have already confirmed an expanded second edition for October 2026. AIPH looks forward to continued collaboration with partners and the broader industry as the ornamental horticulture sector supports the region’s transition towards greener, more climate-resilient environments.
