Baghdad to host first international Green Expo in 2029

IRAQ – Baghdad will host its first International Horticultural Expo in 2029 after the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) gave formal approval to the project.

The event, known as Expo 2029 Garden, will take place from 1 October 2029 to 1 April 2030 on a 375-hectare site along the Tigris River, about 25 kilometers from the city center. The project is led by CEO Muhammed Ali Macitoğlu and carries the theme “Green Light in Desert.”

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani endorsed the event as a national priority. In his letter to the AIPH, he wrote that the project aligns with Iraq’s wider vision for sustainability and urban renewal.

Expo organizers expect participation from 50 countries, with 4 million visitors arriving from abroad and 8 million from within Iraq. Plans include cultural gardens, national pavilions, renewable energy projects, and business centers.

After the Expo, the site will be converted into an international district dedicated to culture, sports, and green innovation.

“This milestone shows our commitment to placing horticulture at the heart of urban development,” AIPH President Leonardo Capitanio said. “It will also put Iraq on the global map for sustainable events.”

Boost for Iraq’s horticulture

The Expo comes at a time when Iraq’s fresh produce sector is showing steady growth. According to recent data, the fresh vegetable market is valued at about US$4.22 billion, with per capita revenue at nearly US$90. By 2030, production volume is expected to reach around 1.69 billion kilograms.

Tomatoes and potatoes dominate the market, but leafy greens, cabbages, onions, root vegetables, mushrooms, eggplants, zucchinis, cucumbers, and legumes are also gaining ground.

Demand for organic and locally grown produce is rising, especially among younger consumers who are seeking healthier and more convenient food options.

“Urban lifestyles are reshaping eating habits,” said an agricultural analyst in Baghdad. “We are seeing more interest in quick-to-cook vegetables and global flavors alongside traditional Iraqi dishes.”

Projections show the sector expanding at a compound growth rate of 4.5 percent between 2025 and 2030. In 2026 alone, volume is expected to rise by 4.5 percent.

This growth is linked to both changing consumer habits and stronger government support for local farmers.

The state has begun promoting climate-resilient crops and drip irrigation to address water scarcity. Upgrades in cold storage and transport, particularly in Kurdistan, have also reduced spoilage and opened new export opportunities. Iraqi potatoes, for instance, are already finding markets in Gulf nations.

“With Expo 2029, we are not only showcasing gardens and pavilions but also building a stronger future for Iraq’s agriculture,” Macitoğlu said. “The event will spark investment in infrastructure, research, and hospitality, which will stay long after the Expo closes.”

The approval of Expo 2029 Garden signals a turning point for Baghdad. It brings global attention to Iraq’s commitment to green growth while giving the country’s farmers and businesses a wider stage to compete.

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