DUBAI // The rain may have kept the crowds away from the Dubai International Garden Competition Friday morning but not the die-hard gardeners.
A small number of people turned out to view the landscaping designs at Downtown Dubai’s Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.
Thirteen regional and global companies are taking part in the competition, which began on Thursday and runs until Sunday.
The event, the UAE’s first landscaping competition, was created to showcase the beauty of Dubai’s gardening masterpieces to the region and the world.
It brings together landscapers, architects, designers, botanists, engineers, scientists, and property experts.
Many visitors said they came because of their interest in flora.
“I am interested in gardening and growing plants,” said Qiang Ge, a Chinese expatriate who lives in The Springs. “I have a business interest and have got new ideas for my garden now.”
A couple said they were looking for ideas for decorating their own garden. “We like gardening and are always looking at new ways to do it up,” said Mary Ann, a Filipino who has a small garden in her villa.
But not everyone turned up for the flora. Ximena Perez said she was out to enjoy a walk with her dogs.
“We just came for a Friday morning outing,” said the Mexican expatriate who lives in Downtown Dubai. “We are not really into landscaping.”
The rain dampened some outdoor furniture that had been laid out by companies as part of their landscape design and some were covered to prevent further damage.
But some people said the rain was of help rather than a hindrance.
“It is good that it has rained,” said Imran P, a civil engineer at Falcon Crest, which was looking to attract customers and construction companies with its display of landscaping, a spanish bar and jacuzzi.
“It has helped our plants. We use natural grass, wood and rocks. With less space, we can make gardens.”
They were hoping more people would visit in the next couple of days.
Akar, another company, said its specialty was growing aromatic plants for medicinal use.
“We have a green house of vegetables such as pepper, green chillies and cucumber at the Miracle Garden in Dubai,” said a company representative.
“Visitors can pick fresh and organic vegetables and we can make a meal from it.”
The competition is held under the patronage of Dubai Municipality. The organisers said they hoped visitors would enjoy a family outing and enjoy the natural beauty.
Fun City, an entertainment centre, is hosting activities for children. The attractions include the Lokrit garden village and grand floral arena stall.
pkannan@thenational.ae
MATCH INFO
Europa League final
Marseille 0
Atletico Madrid 3
Greizmann (21', 49'), Gabi (89')
Profile
Name: Carzaty
Founders: Marwan Chaar and Hassan Jaffar
Launched: 2017
Employees: 22
Based: Dubai and Muscat
Sector: Automobile retail
Funding to date: $5.5 million
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
if you go
The flights
Emirates offer flights to Buenos Aires from Dubai, via Rio De Janeiro from around Dh6,300. emirates.com
Seeing the games
Tangol sell experiences across South America and generally have good access to tickets for most of the big teams in Buenos Aires: Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente. Prices from Dh550 and include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the city. tangol.com
Staying there
Tangol will pick up tourists from any hotel in Buenos Aires, but after the intensity of the game, the Faena makes for tranquil, upmarket accommodation. Doubles from Dh1,110. faena.com
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Monster Hunter: World
Capcom
PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
The Freedom Artist
By Ben Okri (Head of Zeus)
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
