More than 400 senior landscape design architects, engineering consultants, urban planners, project developers, government and municipal officials will discuss sustainable landscaping techniques at a key industry summit in Dubai, UAE.

The Middle East Smart Landscape Summit will run from May 15 to 16 at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, said the event organiser Expotrade.

The summit will begin with a keynote address from Heath Gledhill, the commercial director, landscape architecture, Aspect Studios Australia, on the topic Greening the City – “A place makers perspective”.

The presentation focuses its attention on the purpose of meaningful collaborations between designers and discusses the opportunities for and importance of “green” within our present-day developments, he stated.

This will be followed by a presentation from Morne Fourie, Vice President - Design, Dubai Parks & Resorts, who will emphasise on the art of public space and landscape design – exploring projects and applications in the Middle East.

The opening day will also witness industry expert Robert Shakespeare, the group design director at Cracknell, take the stage to share insights on the influence of landscape architects in shaping cities, while James Kirkpatrick, the global director of masterplanning, Aecom, will explore the topic of Landscape Manufacturing Value: The Impact of City-scale Landscape Interventions, on day two.

During his session, he will share insights on the significance and capacity of public realm to increase the social and economic value of cities with pertinent examples from Toronto and New York.

Brad Hariharan, the regional director, Expotrade Middle East, said: "With participation from more than 35 prominent organisations, the Middle East Smart Landscape Summit will showcase some of the most innovative solutions in smart and sustainable landscaping technologies."

"Widely accepted as the leading landscaping event in the Middle East region, the event will bring together industry experts from within the region and across the globe to engage in a cross functional dialogue on sustainable landscaping in the region with topics focusing on landscape design, sustainable planting schemes, irrigation, urban greenspaces and water conversation," he added.-TradeArabia News Service