GCC spend on garden and landscaping to reach Dhs60.5bn in five years

The exhibition will be held from May 25 to 27 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

'The market for outdoor lifestyle goods is growing due to two key factors, the boom in property, leisure and municipal developments, both require considerable amounts of interior and exterior landscaping.' said Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt. 'Dubai authorities forecast that spend on landscaping projects this year would be worth Dhs165m ($45m). Construction of parks and new golf courses in the region for the next five years will fuel spending on gardens and landscaping, estimated at Dhs60.5bn ($16.5bn)

'The second factor is the fact that home buyers themselves are keen about improving their surroundings with a view to increase the property's value, and to differentiate their property from their neighbors,' Mr. Pruy said.

Population growth combined with changes in property laws in some areas, allow foreigners to own property; good weather and high disposable incomes are also spurring the demand for outdoor living and garden products such as barbecues, garden furniture, garden tools, and swimming pools, by over 12.5 % per annum.

'The UAE population is expected to grow at 3.3% per annum to reach around 4.15 million in 2010 and expatriates account for more than 75% of UAE population. Asians account for 80% of expatriate population and a big number are investing in property in the UAE,' said Gavin A. Morlini, Senior Show Manager of Garden and Landscaping Middle East. 'The UAE's population is young - with more than 40% under 25. Latest census shows that 82% of Dubai's population comprised of expatriates, who could be attracted to invest with the new liberalized rules on property. Dubai's population was 862,000 in 1999, which constitutes 27.7% of UAE's population

The country's growing population and fast paced construction activity in Abu Dhabi and Dubai leading to infrastructure and real estate development in the GCC countries, has highlighted the importance of an exhibition such as, Garden and Landscaping Middle East, as a relevant forum for developers.

A massive beautification drive will see the stretch of land from Dubai World Trade Centre behind the skyscrapers of Shaikh Zayed Road turned into a massive garden with the Business Bay lagoon flowing into the area, after a massive demolition and reconstruction of old villas in Satwa. Many such upcoming projects would add a total of 113 hectares of greenery to the urban landscape.

'A big factor in the success of last year's exhibition was the support enjoyed by the Garden and Landscaping Middle East from local government authorities and departments such as Road Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, and UAE Society of Engineers', said Mr. Morlini.

RTA has announced their support to the exhibition in 2008 as well. The recently launched landscaping department of the RTA, which has allotted Dhs170m to implement landscape projects in Dubai roads, will be taking this opportunity to exhibit their plans for making Dubai a 'greener' place to live in.

Internationally, the show is supported by GardenEx UK, the Garden & Leisure Federation which helps create export trade opportunities, and the Taiwan Importers and Exporters Association.

Garden and Landscaping Middle East has been growing 60 per cent year on year, and 80 per cent of those who exhibited in 2007 have booked their participation for this year's edition of the trade show as well.

Mr. Morlini added, 'The exhibitors are presented with an opportunity to capitalize on this rapidly increasing industry and raise their company profile in the Middle East. 89% of the exhibitors last year stated that Garden and Landscaping Middle East is crucial to their marketing activity in the region. From the 6000 unique visitors that attended the exhibition in 2007, 95% were directly involved in the onsite purchasing decision.' This year 150 exhibitors are participating from 23 countries.