Sheikh Mohamed with the members of team that participated in the UAE Pavilion at the International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi. WAM

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday welcomed teams that participated in the UAE Pavilion at the International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, which took place in Qatar from Oct.2, 2023 to March 28, 2024.

During the meeting at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed expressed his appreciation for the teams' efforts, which showcased the UAE's rich legacy of environmental stewardship and agricultural innovation since the era of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Sheikh Mohamed congratulated the teams on the pavilion's achievement of receiving the Gold Award for the Best Self-Built Pavilion at the exhibition, emphasising that this success reflects the capabilities and expertise of UAE professionals participating in international exhibitions and events.

The UAE President praised the spirit of cooperation among the pavilion's organisers, which contributed to presenting a positive image of the UAE and its vision in the field of sustainability, alongside innovation and investment in technology to protect the environment and its resources.

The organisers of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2023 Doha expressed their pleasure at meeting Sheikh Mohamed, affirming that the success of their participation was the result of his continuous support and commitment to ensuring the UAE’s participation was distinctive and highlighted the country's achievements on various levels.

They also extended their best regards to Sheikh Mohamed on the upcoming Eid Al Adha, praying to God to protect him and bless him with continued health and wellbeing.

Last October, Sheikh Mohamed attended the opening of Expo 2023 Doha, inaugurated by Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, under the theme "Green Desert, Better Environment.

"The UAE participated in the exhibition with a pavilion themed "Nurturing Legacy,” overseen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and the National Projects Office.

The UAE Pavilion was selected based on its alignment with Expo 2023 Doha’s themes, innovative landscape design, thoughtful plant species selection, use of sustainable materials, and engaging environmental and cultural programming.

Additionally, the UAE Pavilion was recognised for its guest experience, which reflected the UAE’s culture and sustainable journey.

The pavilion design, which spanned an area of 2,290 square metres, was inspired by the Ghaf tree, the UAE’s national tree, following the path of its roots to its branches and leaves and featuring rammed earth walls built from locally sourced materials and a roof made with palm leaves.

The pavilion also contained a garden with local plants, including fruit trees, flowers, spices, herbs, and medicinal plants, among others.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court, and a number of officials.

WAM