“Best of the best” landscapers shortlisted to battle it out in 1st Dubai International Garden Competition

Property developers race to make Dubai the ‘Garden City’ before Expo 2020, as DIGC shortlists its Grand Finale participants

UAE, Dubai, 25 February 2014: Real estate players are racing to give Dubai’s properties a ‘green makeover’ with its own unique identity -- in the same way that Venice in Italy is famous for its ‘underwater streets’ or canals, while Cape Town is famous for its hilltop houses overlooking the sea.

After weeks of heightened suspense and anticipation, the wait is finally over as the final list of participants in the first-ever Dubai International Garden Competition have been announced. The list was unveiled at a VIP event that brought together senior representatives from the event patron Dubai Municipality, event partners and hopeful participants.

Participating companies are as follows, Mirak Irrigation & Landscaping, Toscana Landscaping & Pools, Jenny Flowers, Spring Rose Landscaping, Waho & Vogue, Miracle Garden, Terra Verde the Landscape Solution, Greenable Landscapes, Orchid Garden Centre.

The Middle East’s biggest gardening showcase will be held from April 3rd to 6th at The Venue, Downtown Dubai at the foot of Burj Khalifa -- the world’s tallest building, developed by Emaar Properties. The event is eagerly anticipated by real estate investors looking to give their properties a makeover in time for Expo 2020, while boosting the value of their properties through stylish landscaping; as well as players in the tourism and leisure markets.

The participants include architects, botanists, designers, engineers, garden manicurists and horticulturalists among others. A recurring theme among the entries is the emphasis on eco-friendly solutions ideal for Dubai’s arid climate, balancing natural beauty with innovation.

According to Nasser Khan, CEO of the competition organizers Purelife: “Our judges from the UK have reassured us that in all their years of judging competitions worldwide, these are some of the most stunning concepts they have ever encountered. Purelife believes that this creativity is inspired by Dubai’s reputation as a ‘City of the Impossible’ that touches the sky. Visitors will be even more astounded when these concepts are brought to life right before their eyes. Although the event is only four days long, the concepts they inspire will live on until Expo 2020 and beyond.”

Engineer Taleb Jalfar, Director of  Parks & Horticulture Department at Dubai Municipality, expressed his optimism about the upcoming event: “We are confident that the outstanding innovation and eco-friendliness shown by participants in the Dubai International Garden Competition will put Dubai high on the map of landscaping globally. This is not just about landscaping; it’s about encouraging tourism, family bonding and healthier lifestyles outdoors.”

The organizers have expressed their appreciation to the event’s generous supporters, companies include Dubai Municipality, Emaar, Dubai Tourism Commercial Marketing, Dubai Calendar, DEWA, Danube Buildmart and Al Baddad.

Interested landscaping organizations, businesses, community groups, architects and other participants can register or find more information on www.digc.ae

About Dubai International Garden Competition (DIGC)

Dubai International Garden Competition (DIGC) is the UAE’s first landscaping competition that has been specially created to showcase the beauty of Dubai’s gardening masterpieces to the region and the wider world. It brings together the world’s best landscapers, architects, designers, botanists, engineers, scientists, real estate experts and other professionals. The first edition will take place from 3rd - 6th April 2014 at The Venue, Downtown Dubai at the foot of Burj Khalifa. The competition is facilitated by Purelife Events, Conferences & Exhibitions, under the patronage of Dubai Municipality.