100 exhibitors confirmed for first international plants expo in Middle East

Taking place at the Airport Expo Dubai, the trade fair will showcase a wide variety of plants including indoor and outdoor plants, cut flowers and vegetables. 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.

"Owing to the perishable nature of plants and flowers, horticultural businesses need to be equipped with the most modern technology. Applying the latest technical equipment and constant innovation are key to achieving success in this industry. However, the majority of the required equipment is currently being imported," said Michael Mueller, Managing Director, planetfair Dubai LLC.

"IPM Dubai is an indispensable platform for buyers, retailers, manufacturers and distributors to interact and exchange ideas. It will give regional market players the opportunity to experience the latest innovations, and appreciate global standards."

IPM Dubai will house national pavilions from Germany and Sri Lanka. The German pavilion is the largest with more than 25 exhibiting companies - all supported by the Federal Ministry of Consumer Protection, Nutrition and Agriculture. Other exhibiting countries include Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, San Marino, Ukraine, France, Ecuador and the UAE.

Egon Galinnis, Managing Director, Messe Essen GmbH added: "Germany and the UAE have entered into a strategic partnership for the import and export of horticultural products. In 2003, German companies exported horticulture goods worth approximately 3.23 billion euros to the UAE."

Galinnis said: "According to our reports, 400 German plant and flower companies are operating in the UAE of which 100 are in Abu Dhabi and the rest in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. This gives an indication of the potential for the rest of the region. This booming demand has made us bring the leading international trade fair for the 'green industry' to Dubai."

IPM Dubai will have a display area of more than 4,000 square meters, and the exhibition aims to attract trade visitors from across the 'green industry' including plant producers, landscape gardeners, retail centres and wholesalers, real estate developers, local government and the hospitality industry.

To run alongside the exhibition, planetfair and Messe Essen have also organised a seminar on 'Reduction of cooling and irrigation for protected plant production'. The seminar will also discuss the effect the environment has on plant growth and performance, plant protection techniques, pesticide transport in soil and ground water, and interaction between plants, soil and the atmosphere. The seminar will take place daily at 12:00 noon.

IPM Dubai is being organised by planetfair Dubai LLC and Messe Essen in Germany under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai.

The Dubai Flower Centre and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also supporting the exhibition.

IPM Dubai will run from 11.00am to 7.00pm daily, from March 14-16, 2006 at the Central Hall, Airport Expo Dubai.