More than 80% work for Expo 2023 Doha complete, says top official
Qatar has always relished hosting mega events, in both the sporting arena and outside it. The country’s organisational prowess achieved a new high when they successfully hosted the Arab world’s first-ever FIFA World Cup last year.
Away from the sporting arena, Qatar is gearing up to host another mammoth event — the six-month-long International Horticultural Exhibition Expo 2023 Doha — at the Al Bidda Park from October 2 to March 28, 2024.
Work is progressing swiftly and over 80% of development work on a 1,700,000SqM facility is already complete, said a top official. With over 80 countries participating, the Expo is expected to attract over three million visitors.
“The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is developing a facility to house Expo 2023 Doha. The facility is 80% complete,” said Ashghal’s Project Manager of Expo 2023 Doha Eng Fatima Al Abd Al Malik.
Two technologies — Mechanically Stabilised Earth (MSE) Wall and hydroponic structure — are being used for greenery at the Expo facility. The MSE Wall will be a composite structure consisting of alternating layers of compacted backfill and soil reinforcement elements, fixed to a wall setting.
“These two technologies will help in the rationalisation of water consumption for the greenery by reducing temperature. The Expo house building will be 12 metres tall, comprising the ground floor plus two storeys,” said Al Malik.
Ashghal will develop pavilions for participating countries from all around the world, including The Netherlands. Marjan Kamstra, the Dutch Ambassador to Qatar, had recently planted the first tree at the country’s pavilion for the expo.
Countdown to @Expo2023Doha has started with planting the first tree at our Dutch pavilion highlighting expertise on innovative & sustainable solutions in desertification. Happy to share this moment with @Expo2023Doha, Niek Roozen and @albaladiya! pic.twitter.com/CJo1LpWKdN
— Marjan Kamstra (@marjankamstra) April 5, 2023
Mohammed Ali Al Khouri, Secretary-General of the National Committee for hosting Expo 2023 Doha, recently said the expo would be a milestone event for the country and the region.
“This global horticultural event, the first-of-its-kind in the GCC and MENA region, will serve Qatar, GCC states and other desert countries. A number of research works to combat desertification will be tabled during the expo,” he said.
“The Expo 2023 Doha will run under the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment.” It aims to inspire and inform guests and the international community about innovative solutions to mitigate desertification,” Al Khouri had said.
China, who held the last Expo in 2021, had handed over the event’s flag to Qatar during a colourful ceremony.
Qatar is no stranger to horticultural shows. From the Souq Waqif Flower Festival to smaller events like the festival in Umm Salal market, such programmes have always been popular.
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