Significant milestone for the UAE and the region, as efforts accelerate towards building climate-resilient and nature-connected cities, in line with the UAE Vision 2031
The inaugural edition of “My Plant & Garden Middle East 2025” was launched at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City, Dubai, under the patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The opening ceremony was led by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry, and His Excellency Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, with the participation of government officials, international delegations, and prominent industry representatives.
“My Plant & Garden Middle East 2025,” the first and only B2B event in the Middle East dedicated to the horticulture supply chain, is taking place from November 15 to 17 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City. This essential international exhibition caters to businesses, professionals, institutions, and economic stakeholders in the live and designed green sectors.
The opening marks a significant milestone for the UAE and the region, as efforts accelerate towards building climate-resilient and nature-connected cities, in line with the UAE Vision 2031 and the general frameworks for sustainability. The exhibition also reflects the growing strength of the green economy in the GCC countries, where interest in horticulture, innovative landscaping, and sustainable infrastructure is increasing.
The opening round saw the participation of high-level representatives from government bodies, research institutions, and the global sector, including His Excellency Lorenzo Fanara, the Italian Ambassador to the UAE; Andreas Kibar, a member of the World Economic Forum’s “Nature-Friendly Cities” team and President of GreenCity Italy; Francesco Santana, CEO of IEG Middle East; and Mirko Carloni, Chairman of the Agriculture Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. This underscores the level of international cooperation supporting the transition towards sustainable urban environments.
During his speech, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi emphasized that ” My Plant & Garden Middle East 2025 ” aligns with the core of the UAE’s strategic vision and direction, stating, “We believe that horticulture and the green sector play a significant role in the urban planning of our sustainable cities and communities. Building smart, livable, and climate-resilient cities requires us to adopt innovative ‘nature-based solutions.'”
His Excellency added: “Our vision transcends the aesthetic concept, emphasizing the close relationship between green cities and food security. Through innovation in agricultural technologies and urban agriculture, we can transform our urban spaces into productive and sustainable ecosystems. This ambition can only be achieved through collaboration; international partnership is key to success, and we are delighted to see this strong momentum from our international partners to transfer expertise and the latest innovations to the region. This exhibition is a true platform for building partnerships and developing practical solutions for the cities of the future, right here in the UAE.”
More than 100 exhibitors from around the world are participating in the exhibition, showcasing the latest solutions in arid horticulture, sustainable irrigation, the production of plants adapted to hot conditions, outdoor space design, and smart greenhouse technologies. These solutions directly address the environmental challenges facing the region, including water scarcity, rising temperatures, and the growing need to combat desertification through strategic planning of green spaces.
Over its three days, the exhibition offers a diverse program of conferences, dialogues, and workshops addressing the region’s environmental priorities, including nature-enabled urban planning, the production of resilient plants, water resource management, biodiversity restoration, climate-responsive space design, and the integration of biodynamic and circular design principles into the built environment. Experts will also explore the role of smart irrigation systems, native species cultivation, and green corridors in transforming cities into healthier, more temperate, and livable environments.
The strong participation of government entities, research institutions, and international partners underscores the exhibition’s importance as a platform for shaping future policies, fostering institutional collaboration, and encouraging investment in green infrastructure. The discussions also reflect the region’s growing commitment to integrating biodiverse green spaces and public parks into real estate, tourism, and urban development projects.
Valeria Randazzo, the exhibition director, stated that the discussions at the event will play a significant role in shaping the future of cities in the region, emphasizing that green spaces are a fundamental element of the cities of the future. She added that the exhibition combines global expertise with regional ambition, contributing to accelerating progress towards sustainable horticulture, advanced irrigation solutions, and climate-resilient outdoor spaces.
The first day concluded by emphasizing the importance of creating more nature-positive urban environments that better support human health and well-being, highlighting the impact of outdoor spaces on enhancing property values, strengthening community bonds, and supporting long-term sustainability, alongside the growing demand for greener projects in the Gulf region.
With significant international participation, a comprehensive technical program, and government support, My Plant & Garden Middle East 2025 stands out as a pivotal event for the horticulture and landscaping sector in the region, and a key initiative towards building more sustainable and resilient cities for future generations.
