Growth opportunities, industry trends, and the best technologies and practices surrounding flowers and plants in the region will be the focus of a trade show to be held in Dubai from November 17.

The three-day 2013 International Plants Expo Middle East (IPM) will take place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. It will cover the entire chain for the horticultural industry, from greenhouse and nursery growers to landscape designers, architects and contractors.

More than 5,000 visitors and industry professionals from all over the world are expected to gather at the event, with exhibitors from Europe expected to dominate the show, followed by those from Africa, Asia, GCC, the Middle East and The Americas.

The UAE has emerged as a major hub for flowers, live trees, seedlings, roots and bulbs owing to its strategic location adjacent to Europe, Asia and Africa. Dubai’s flowers and plants business is estimated at over Dh140 million ($38 million) and continues to amass a sizeable portion of the GCC flower market estimated to be worth around Dh970 million.

Moreover, experts expect UAE’s plant and flower market to achieve an annual growth of 20 per cent, driven by factors such as strong economic growth and the country’s resurgent real estate sector which is on track for a 15-20 per cent average annual growth over the next two years.      

The event will feature displays and discussions on plants, technology, floristry, garden features, ornamental gardening, plants maintenance, and plants logistics. It will be mobilised through close cooperation among Dubai Municipality, Dubai Airports Cargo & Logistics and Dubai Flower Centre. - TradeArabia News Service