ABU DHABI // Amateur gardeners can win prize money of up to Dh100,000 in a competition organised by the Department of Municipal Affairs to foster a greener emirate.
The competition is open to all residents in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia and has two categories - inside and outside. In each category the three most beautiful gardens from each region will be shortlisted for a final.
The winner of each category will receive Dh100,000, the runner-up will receive Dh50,000 and the third placed Dh30,000, while fourth, fifth and sixth places will receive smaller monetary rewards and certificates. Total prize money is Dh400,000.
Gardens will be judged on criteria such as sustainability, solar energy, efficient water usage, lighting and child-safety.
More than 200 residents are expected to take part.
The UAE has set a goal of creating 25 square metres of green area for each resident by 2014-2015. The International Health Organisation advises an area of at least 9 square-metres per capita.
Applications will be accepted from December 9 this year to January 9, 2013. A committee will then judge entries over a 45-day period before announcing the winners in March.
Those interested can apply online at www.abudhabi.ae or submit entries at municipality buildings in all three regions.
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Fly from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai in Thailand, via Bangkok, before taking a five-hour bus ride across the Laos border to Huay Xai. The land border crossing at Huay Xai is a well-trodden route, meaning entry is swift, though travellers should be aware of visa requirements for both countries.
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