His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will patronise on Monday the opening ceremony of Expo 2023 Doha in the presence of a number of dignitaries and representatives from various countries.Under the theme "Green Desert, Better Environment, Expo 2023 Doha will be held at Al Bidda Park until March 28, 2024. The focus is on modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainability.The mega event will promote sustainable innovations and combat desertification through activities and celebrations that last for 179 days while drawing 3mn visitors from more than 80 countries.This will be the first horticultural exhibition in Mena, a region with a desert climate, encouraging horticultural innovation focusing on the climate, water and soil sustainability.As a collaboration between the Bureau International Des Expositions (BIE) and the International Association for Horticultural Producers (AIPH), Expo Doha 2023 will attract visitors locally and internationally, pavilions from almost 80 countries, NGOs and representatives.Organisers said all arrangements have been completed. Expo 2023 Doha Commissioner-General Bader Omar al-Dafa told Qatar TV that the expo is one of the largest of its kind with participation from various continents.Expo 2023 Doha will be open for public for free from tomorrow (October 3) while presenting a variety of events and activities including conferences and cultural, educational, entertainment exhibitions. In addition to introducing innovative new products to global markets and sports events, the expo will host workshops, educational activities and discussions with leading experts to concerts, theatrical performances and much more that await the visitors.The site at Al Bidda Park consists of three areas. The Northern Area will host the international exhibits, while the remaining two areas will be activated by a variety of functions and experiences. Each area of the site will be programmed to offer its unique experience to participants and visitors.The exhibition has Congress Centre, Exhibition Centre, Family Amphitheatre, Indoor Domes, Cultural Bazaar, Farmers Market, Food Kiosks, Sponsors Area, Environment Centre & Biodiversity Museum and Grandstand Arena.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani patronised Monday the opening ceremony of International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, under the theme 'Green Desert, Better Environment', at Al Bidda Park, in the presence of President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Djibouti Ismail Omar Guelleh, President of the United Republic of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Yemen Dr Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, andPrime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda Dr Edouard Ngirente.At the outset of the ceremony, the Qatari national anthem was played followed by the screening of a short movie entitled 'A green Qatar'.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani said in a speech on this occasion that Qatar's hosting of Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha goes in line with its commitments to sustainable development nationally and globally, hailing the event as a qualitative addition to Qatar's various initiatives aimed at ensuring a safer and more stable future for all peoples across the globe.He stressed that these initiatives came upon His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's directives with the aim of achieving a balance between Qatar's development needs and the preservation of its air, water and soil natural resources to implement Qatar National Vision 2030. One of its basic pillars is developing a comprehensive environmental vision that places the preservation of the environment for future generations at top of its priorities.HE the prime minister added that this global event seeks serious initiatives and partnerships that restore present and future generations' hopes to live in a safe world without discrimination or preference amid many unfortunate disasters and calamities that hit humanity due to disrespect and irresponsible depletion of nature.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated the call for more creative, environmentally friendly solutions and innovations in all aspects of life that take a realistic approach concerned with comprehensive economic development and environmental protection, while at the same time ensuring equitable energy security for all.HE Sheikh Mohammed also called for intensifying international cooperation to achieve a balanced environmental world where humans respect their fellows and sustainably respect the environment and nature.At the end of his speech, he expressed his thanks to all the countries and friends who participated in the Expo, voicing hopes it would lead to partnerships and projects in the benefit of future generations.Both Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri Kerkentzes and President of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH), Leonardo Capitano gave speeches during the ceremony.His Highness Personal Representative of the Amir Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani attended the ceremony.Also present were HE Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, sheikhs and ministers, ministers and representatives of sisterly and friendly countries, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the state, several prominent businessmen, and guests of the expo.

After a remarkable 34-day journey covering nearly 8,000km - crossing 12 countries and two seas - the Tour d'Excellence expedition, which began in Geneva on August 28, reached its destination Doha on September 30.The epic journey, undertaken by two electric Volkswagen ID Buzz cars, symbolised the strong connection between the two cities and served as a precursor to the highly anticipated Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS).“A big thank you, the days I don’t need to tell you, were intensive, they were adventurous and I think we will never ever forget them, and that was also our motivation to do this once in a lifetime trip so to speak, a unique and pioneer trip to Doha,” Rinspeed AG CEO Frank M Rinderknecht said at a press conference held at the Bin Jelmood House, Msheireb Museums yesterday.He noted that their average speed was 51.2km per hour with an average consumption of 19.1 kWh per 100km. The coldest temperature they experienced along the journey was 1 degree Celsius in Switzerland, and the hottest was 53 degrees Celsius in Saudi Arabia. The only technical issue was a flat tyre.Rinderknecht and Rainer Zietlow, owner of Challenge 4, who holds six Guinness World Records for long-distance travel, drove these cutting-edge cars during their expedition, demonstrating not only the impressive technological capabilities of electric vehicles but also underscored the pioneering spirit of the upcoming motor show.GIMS Qatar is set to take place from October 5 to 14 at a 10,000sqm space at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, featuring 30 renowned automotive brands, including Toyota, Lexus, Porsche, Volkswagen, Lamborghini, KIA, Audi, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Vinfast, and Chery, among others.It will also showcase the latest innovations from the industry, more than 10 world premieres and over 20 regional premieres.Qatar Tourism COO Berthold Trenkel said the Tour d'Excellence expedition, which successfully concluded in Doha, fittingly lays the foundation for the remarkable spectacle that GIMS Qatar 2023 is poised to offer.“This incredible journey not only underscores the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines GIMS Qatar, but also mirrors Qatar's own ambitious vision for sustainability and excellence,” he said.Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Trenkel said GIMS Qatar will hopefully attract a lot of visitors predominantly from the region, especially from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.“We hope to have a lot of people visiting, and interesting piece was by sandwiching it together with Formula 1, you have all these people that come into the Formula (1)... they have a chance to also go to the Geneva (Motor Show),” he added.Trenkel cited the unique nature of GIMS Qatar, saying: “The Geneva motor show in Qatar is different from over a 100 years of history of Geneva, that's why I think people are not realising how unique this is.”GIMS CEO Sandro Mesquita highlighted the event's core values, saying: “Excellence, innovation and pioneering spirit are the key elements of the GIMS DNA. The idea of the Tour d'Excellence was to manifest this spirit, all while highlighting the industry's recent progress in electromobility.”