Dr. Yousef Alhorr: The encyclopedia is a piece of literature that took seven years of research work to prepare six volumes covering 800 plant species over 3,500+ pages.

The Encyclopedia of Native & Non-Native Plants in Eastern Arabia is now available for public at Dar Al Sharq pavilion at the 31st Doha International Book Fair, taking place from January 13 to 22 at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. Developed by the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) in collaboration with Qatar Ministry of Municipality represented by the Public Parks Department, the Encyclopedia of Native & Non-Native Plants in Eastern Arabia is a first-of-its-kind publication that provides a comprehensive guide on cultivating plants in Eastern Arabia from Kuwait to coast of Oman on Arabian Gulf.

It took seven years of research work to prepare the encyclopedia. Along with the exploration of hundreds of specialized scientific publications, field research was conducted by a group of experts at GORD. With limited copies available at 50% discount exclusively at Doha International Book Fair, the encyclopedia comprises six volumes covering more than 3,500 pages with details about 800 plant species, thereby providing a comprehensive guide on cultivating plants in Eastern Arabia from Kuwait to coast of Oman on Arabian Gulf. 

Expressing the rationale behind the encyclopedia’s showcasing at the book fair, Dr. Yousef Alhorr, Founding Chairman of GORD said, “As one of the region’s largest exhibitions, we find Doha International Book Fair the ideal platform to showcase and spread the word about this piece of literature, which is undoubtedly among the most comprehensive scientific archives conceived and developed about plants existing within the Eastern Arabian habitat. We sincerely hope that this encyclopedia will inspire more works of genuine research in areas linked with sustainability.”

Highlighting the role of the Encyclopedia of Native & Non-Native Plants in Eastern Arabia, Dr. Alhorr added, “Just like tech exchange, knowledge transfer is crucial for sustainable agriculture. To this end, the Encyclopedia of Native & Non-Native Plants in Eastern Arabia will guide agriculturists and engineers in responsible selection and optimum treatment of flora in the context of sustainable development.”

Mr. Muhammad Ali Al Khoury, Director of Public Parks Department at the Ministry of Municipality, said, “Public Parks Department has invested years of research and experiments to reach a level of documentation that serves as a legacy for generations to follow. In this context, the Encyclopedia of Native & Non-Native Plants in Eastern Arabia has emerged as an asset for professionals working in relevant fields. We congratulate the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD) for taking the lead and successfully developing this pioneering work the benefits of which transcend a range of sectors.”

The encyclopedia features a collection of plant species arranged systematically with descriptive details such as conservation status, worldwide distribution, nativity to the region, lifespan, adaptability, cultivation and plant forms. With economic, medicinal, landscaping and environmental uses consolidated in one place, the book serves as a reference tool for professionals dealing in diverse sectors such as architecture, health, medicine and landscape engineering to name a few. Produced with premium printing techniques, the encyclopedia is a unique resource that will enrich public and private libraries within Qatar and the wider MENA region.

Now in its 31^st edition, Doha International Book Fair is one of the oldest and largest international book fairs in the region. Promoting the culture of reading for decades, the event has been providing a holistic platform for book lovers of all ages. Happening on the sidelines of the exhibition will be seminars, lectures and workshops among other events.