UAE imports AED 60 million worth of plants in H1 2014

October 22, 2014: The UAE currently holds an estimated 14 per cent of the Gulf’s blossoming AED 970 million flowers and plants business and is reported to have imported AED 60 million worth of plants in the first half of 2014 alone, according to the latest 2014 UN Comtrade Report. The recent study further reveals that factors such as the upsurge in real estate and tourism activities, a reenergized 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 blossoming horticultural trade will be extensively displayed and discussed at the upcoming 9th IPM Middle East: International Plants Expo Middle East taking place from November 9 to 11, 2014 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The region’s only dedicated horticultural exhibition will center on the themes of Plants and Flowers; Technology; Plants Maintenance; Floristry; Plants Logistics; and Promotions, Shop Designs and Services. Participants will have access to a host of plants, trees, palms, landscape equipment, hardscape products, irrigation and production equipment, business services and garden center supplies.

IPM Middle East 2013 gathered 80 exhibitors from 17 countries and welcomed 5,338 trade visitors from 77 nations. Co-organizers Planetfair and Messe Essen aim to surpass last year’s 13.7 per cent visitor growth by drawing in more than 3,000 guests through attractive segments such as The Wedding Floral Design Competition Dubai 2014.

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 strategizing for further business growth.”

IPM Middle East 2014 will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum - President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Chairman of Dubai Airports.  It will be attended by exhibitors from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.  Participants interested in registering for the show’s The Wedding Floral Design Competition Dubai 2014 are requested to contact: nadeen.mazloum@planetfair.com.

The annual IPM Dubai: International Plants Expo Middle East covers the entire chain for the horticultural industry, from greenhouse and nursery growers, garden centers 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.