Environment

The outdoor environment and public spaces continue to be important parts of the UAE's lively society, sustaining the development of the outdoor design and landscaping sector. The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council has actually developed the Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual to strategically describe a blueprint for building a world-class outside community in the emirate to improve the standard of life of its people. According to the Manual, public areas consist of all outside areas that are physically or aesthetically accessible no matter ownership and are organized into four categories; namely, parks, streetscapes, watersides, and public areas.

Dubai, on the other hand, has released an ongoing campaign which will change the emirate into an open air museum, reshaping the method people see it. The city will end up being an open gallery with various street art, setups, photography and sculpture that will instil a sense of culture and value amongst residents and visitors. Such initiatives drove tourist numbers to 14.2 million in 2015, a surge of 7.5 per cent over 2014. In addition, Dubai's masterplan for 2020 includes sustainable outside design and green areas, offering momentum to the landscaping sector.

The Big 5 Outdoor Design & Build Show will make its debut at the Community Management Week that will take place from May 23 to 25, 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. It is specialised exhibition for landscaping, facilities and urban development with an unique concentrate on the design, build and construction of all private and public spaces. To be held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, UAE Minister of Infrastructure Development, and supported by the Dubai Municipality, Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, and the Federal Transport Authority, this year's edition will showcase sustainable, low-maintenance and cost-effective technologies, products and services for the outside design and landscaping sector.

James Meltz, Exhibition Director, The Big 5 Outdoor Design & Build Show, said: "The UAE federal government has actually given an incredible significance to outside built environment by establishing them as open spaces that quickly blends with the surrounding architectural and natural functions. Maintaining the federal government's vision of building sustainable, visually pleasing, and utilitarian open locations, The Big 5 Outdoor Design & Build Show 2016 will bring vibrant ideas for the market experts through the exhibition, Leaders in Landscape Summit, and Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-certified workshops. We are positive that the show will fill the market gap for smart, innovative and green landscaping solutions, making outdoor spaces, stunning, inviting and useable.".

Peter Scott, Manager-- Landscape Architecture, Khatib & Alami, said: "Close cooperation between the government authorities and the economic sector has actually resulted in the production of exceptional landscape architecture in the UAE. In fact, the country has actually set a requirement for the MENA area in desert landscape adjustment, outside liveability, water optimization, sustainability, and upkeep. We are positive that The 2016 Big 5 Outdoor Design & Build Show will throw the spotlight on imaginative, creative, and environmental-friendly product or services to resolve the growing need for sustainable products and technologies for outdoor design.".

The highlight of The 2016 Big 5 Outdoor Design & Build Show is the instructional conference that includes a 'Leaders in Landscape Summit' and free-to-attend CPD-certified workshops. The Leaders in Landscape Summit will collect local and global market leaders who will provide an unique evaluation of the region's iconic outdoor projects. The 3-day program of the Summit consists of sessions on Landscape Project Leaders, Leaders in Landscape Architecture and Design, and Leaders in Landscape Construction.

Ali El-Keblawy, Professor at the University of Sharjah, will speak on the subject 'Conservation of Arab World's Natural Heritage and Culture with using Native Plants in Landscaping.' The talk will discuss the building and maintenance of various types of thematic gardens, including medical, aromatic, herbal, and edible.

"Growing more endangered native plants in gardens and landscaped areas would inevitably result in their conservation," added El-Keblawy. "For circumstances, regional types such as Acridocarpus orientalis, Caralluma flava, and Pulicaria edmondsonii are threatened in their natural habitat and can be saved with our efforts. In addition, planting them will reduce the use of fresh water, fertilizers and pesticides, hence significantly restricting the pressure on natural resources and the environment.".

Sameer Darwash, Manger-- Projects, Union Properties, will speak on the topic 'Green Community Expansion Project.' He will talk about the production of a visually lovely and environmentally-friendly community, while addressing crucial methods to deliver functional, affordable, and easy-to-maintain projects.

"Landscaping can be a considerable financial investment unless the ideal group uses the right design/build approach to build the most efficient and extraordinary landscape design. The design/build technique brings the project from principle to conclusion and maintenance under the exact same group, leading to lovely, unified, and economical design. Additionally, there is an increasing need for green landscaping options with growing awareness to ecological sustainability," concluded Darwash.

Organized by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, The 2016 Big 5 Outdoor Design & Build Show will be co-located for the first time with 4 dedicated events that make up Community Management Week. The other events are FM EXPO-- the biggest dedicated centers management events in the Middle East; Middle East Waste & Recycling-- Dubai's premier events on opportunities and difficulties in waste management and recycling; Commercial Cleaning & Hygiene-- bringing those associated with cleaning services and products together to share concepts and innovative products; and Elevators & Access Control-- the only structure access and mobility exhibit in the Middle East.

For more information, log on to http://www.theoutdoorshow.ae/ and www.communitymanagementweek.com.

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