Qatar has seen a substantial increase in green space with the number of parks doubling in the last 13 years. Expo 2023 Doha secretary general engineer Mohamed Ali al-Khoury told Qatar TV that the per capita share of green space increased from 1sqm in 2010 to 16.2sqm in 2022, a 16-fold growth.
The expansion of the parks is done carefully while ensuring there is no excessive growth in number of the parks. “Maintaining the green spaces and trees is an effortful job and expansion should be carried out carefully,” he explained.
“Before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, several large parks including Umm Al Seneem Park were opened. The works of Rawdat Al Hamam Park will be completed soon. These parks serve a large group of homes and neighbourhoods. There are also small parks that serve specific areas. Parks are set up according to the needs and priorities, while also considering the suitability for developing green space," the official said.
Expo 2023 Doha is an important step towards achieving sustainability and enhancing environmental awareness and a unique event of its kind in the region, the secretary general pointed out.
All previous editions of the expo were held in countries with a cold climate and this is for first time the horticulture expo has come to a place with desert weather. “Qatar’s hosting of the horticulture expo reflects the advancement in its status as a place of horticulture and agriculture,” he said.
“There is scope for participating countries to provide research, as well as for international companies to contribute to modern technologies,” he added. Expo 2023 Doha, which opened on October 2, 2023, will run until March 28, 2024 at Al Bidda Park.
Engineer Mohamed Ali al-Khoury
