UAE’s green infrastructure expo marks a milestone in Middle East’s urban sustainability push

Under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, or MOCCAE, the first-ever Myplant & Garden Middle East 2025 kicked off on November 15 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, within Expo City Dubai. This is a pretty significant milestone for the Middle East, a green industry expo that marks a new chapter in the region’s push towards urban environments that are both climate-resilient and positive for nature, aligning closely with the UAE’s Vision 2031 and broader sustainability goals. The event was officially opened by HE Dr. Mohammed Salman Alhammadi, who’s Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, along with HE Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality. Their presence, along with other government officials, international delegations, and key industry players, really underlined just how important this expo is strategically speaking.

The launch of Myplant & Garden Middle East basically shows the UAE’s commitment to weaving green infrastructure and nature-based solutions into their urban planning strategies. And honestly, there’s an urgent need for this all across the Gulf Cooperation Council. Think about water shortages, scorching heat waves, and desertification, those aren’t minor issues. As HE Dr. Alhammadi pointed out during the opening, horticulture and the green sector go far beyond just making things look nice; they’re fundamental to creating smart, liveable, and climate-friendly cities, vital for food security and ecosystem health too. He emphasized how agriculture tech and urban farming innovations can turn urban spaces into productive, sustainable systems. And, importantly, he stressed that reaching these kinds of big ambitious goals really depends on international collaboration and sharing knowledge, something this exhibition aims to promote.

There were over 100 exhibitors from all over the globe, showcasing cutting-edge solutions that work well even in arid climates. You saw everything, from sophisticated irrigation systems and climate-adaptive plant production methods to next-generation smart greenhouses and sustainable landscaping designs, not to forget outdoor urban furniture designed for extremely harsh environments. The event really reflects how fast the landscaping and horticulture sectors are growing in this region, especially under the umbrella of the UAE’s Vision 2030 and climate policies. One of the major strategic partners, Tanseeq Investment Group, exemplifies the local expertise driving large-scale green infrastructure projects across the UAE and the broader GCC, highlighting how the sector is gaining both in economic and environmental importance.

Over the three days, the programme included a bunch of conferences, expert roundtables, and technical workshops. The discussions covered a wide array of pressing environmental topics, things like nature-positive urban planning, resilient plant production, water resource management, biodiversity restoration, climate-resilient landscaping, and incorporating principles like biophilic design and circular economies into city planning. Special attention was paid to new irrigation tech, cultivating native and drought-resistant species, and creating interconnected green corridors, these are key for reducing the urban heat island effect and supporting healthier ecosystems. As Valeria Randazzo, the Exhibition Director, noted, these conversations are crucial for shaping how sustainable urban development will look across the Middle East.

Of course, international cooperation stood out as a core theme throughout the event. Senior government leaders, ambassadors, and global industry representatives took part in the opening tour, signaling a shared drive toward more sustainable city environments. For instance, HE Lorenzo Fanara, Italy’s Ambassador to the UAE, Andreas Kipar from the World Economic Forum’s Nature-Positive Cities Task Force, and Francesco Santa, CEO of IEG Middle East, highlighted how important it is to transfer knowledge and collaborate across borders. The presence of Mirco Carloni, President of the XIII Agriculture Commission of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, further emphasized the global scope of the event and Italy’s leadership role in green innovation.

This expo isn’t just about showcasing new ideas; it also serves as a pivotal business-to-business platform that connects manufacturers, urban landscapers, nurseries, greenhouse suppliers, and service providers. Covering six core sectors, like Landscape Architecture and Urban Furniture, Nurseries, Pots & Outdoor Furniture, Machinery, Greenhouses & Irrigation, Flowers & Decoration, and Techniques & Services, it offers exhibitors targeted exposure to buyers, developers, investors, and design professionals from the UAE, the GCC, Africa, and Asia. It’s a lively space for networking, sharing ideas, and, quite importantly, closing deals, fueling the green transformation efforts across the region.

The first day wrapped up with a strong focus on reimagining urban spaces through the lens of nature-positive, climate-resilient development. Participants emphasized the broad benefits of integrating greenery, things like boosting real estate value, fostering community spirit, and improving environmental health. With the GCC increasingly demanding green infrastructure, this event arrives at a perfect moment, offering practical solutions and encouraging cross-sector collaboration to pave the way for a more sustainable future in the region.

All in all, Myplant & Garden Middle East 2025 isn’t just a showcase for the latest in sustainable horticulture and landscaping innovations. It’s also a catalyst that hopes to push the UAE and neighboring regions toward developing smarter, more resilient, and truly nature-integrated cities. It underscores the UAE’s leadership role when it comes to climate adaptation and urban sustainability in the Middle East and highlights, maybe surprisingly, how crucial international partnerships really are when tackling shared environmental challenges.

Source: Noah Wire Services