The UAE holds an estimated 14 per cent of the Gulf’s blossoming Dh970 million ($264 million) flowers and plants business and is has imported Dh60 million ($16.3 million) worth of plants in the first half of the year, according to a recent report.

The latest 2014 UN Comtrade Report of 2014 revealed that factors such as the upsurge in real estate and tourism activities, a re-energised economy and the positive multi-sectoral impact of Dubai’s successful World Expo 2020 bid are driving a rapid rise in local demand for flowers and plants.

The numerous local and regional opportunities offered by the horticultural trade will be extensively displayed and discussed at the upcoming 9th IPM Middle East: International Plants Expo Middle East, which will run fro November 9 to 11 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It is being co-organised by Planetfair and Messe Essen.

The dedicated horticultural exhibition will centre on the themes of plants and flowers; technology; plants maintenance; floristry; plants logistics; and promotions, shop designs and services.

The participants will have access to a host of plants, trees, palms, landscape equipment, hardscape products, irrigation and production equipment, business services and garden centre supplies.

Tarek Sibai, project manager, planetfair, said: “The UAE’s resurgent business and investment environments combined with its strategic  geographical location have spurred growth in a variety of sectors, including plants and flowers.  

“Dubai in particular has emerged as the focal point of regional floricultural and horticultural activities and is thus the perfect host for the Middle East’s premier and only dedicated platform for plants and flowers. IPM Middle East 2014 will once again be a one-stop-shop for learning the latest and best practices and tools, sharing industry knowledge and expertise, and strategising for further business growth.”

The event will cover the entire chain for the horticultural industry, from greenhouse and nursery growers, garden centres and green industry suppliers to landscape designers, architects and contractors.

The 2014 edition will run concurrently with its sister event, WOP Middle East 2014: The International Perishables Expo Middle East, the only dedicated exhibition for fresh fruits and vegetables in the region. - TradeArabia News Service