International Plants Expo returns to the Middle East

The event, organised by planetfair Dubai LLC and Messe Essen GmbH, Germany, will take place from March 4 to 6 and will host more than 200 exhibitors from over 25 countries backed by leaders from the UAE like Al Huraiz, Alissar, Arabian Agricultural, Aramex Perishables, Dubai Flower Centre, Intraflora, Gover Horticulture and Shirin Flowers. Participants will showcase a wide variety of flora, including indoor and outdoor plants, cut flowers, ornamental plants and tree nursery goods.

This year's IPM Dubai, say organisers, will be the largest and busiest yet, with a display area of 7,000 square metres hosting an array of plant producers, breeders, seed traders, landscape gardeners, retail centres, wholesalers, real estate developers, local government figures and representatives from the hospitality industry. The aim of the exhibition is to increase trade in the region, and to establish Dubai as a global hub for horticulture.

"The Middle East is one of the fastest growing regions in the world, and as such has been experiencing phenomenal development across various industries," said Michael Mueller, Managing Director, planetfair Dubai LLC. "Horticulture is no exception, and we expect to see even greater expansion and even greater successes for this segment in the coming years."

Mueller added, "You can see the growing demand here in Dubai, which has a number of billion-dollar development projects that involve landscaping activity, public parks and private gardens. The market is growing for both indoor and outdoor plants, along with technology."

Egon Galinnis, Managing Director, Messe Essen GmbH, said, "We are proud to bring this exhibition to Dubai for the third year in a row. It proves that this market is strong in terms of horticulture and offers traders a great deal of potential."

IPM Dubai 2008 is supported by the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai Flower Centre, the Ministry of Environment and Water, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The latest technology and techniques in landscaping, irrigation, plant protection and seed plantation will also be on display, along with floristry accessories and sales promotion items. Flower demonstrations, workshops and seminars will take place throughout the course of the three-day event.