Dec. 8, Manama (BNA): The opening of the eighth Bahrain International Show (Mara’ee 2025) at the Bahrain International Endurance Village was attended by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
HM King attends opening of Mara’ee 2025
Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, and other high-ranking officials greeted His Majesty the King upon his arrival.
Minister Al Mubarak emphasized His Majesty the King’s ongoing support and dedication to food security, sustainable agriculture, and the conservation of Bahrain’s agricultural legacy.
The Minister further stated that the efforts to improve national food security in the Kingdom are driven by the orders of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The minister pointed out that the royal vision has traditionally viewed agriculture as a national duty that supports food security, environmental sustainability, and future needs in addition to being an economic sector. The Ministry expressed gratitude to Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and Chairperson of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development’s Advisory Council, for her continued efforts to promote agricultural initiatives and sustainable development.
According to the minister, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture is continuing to plant tree species that are appropriate for Bahrain’s environment and increase green coverage in accordance with national guidelines. An ecological landscape that is more sustainable has resulted from these efforts. He continued by saying that Team Bahrain, under the leadership of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has successfully planted over 600,000 trees and greatly increased mangrove cultivation as part of the national afforestation strategy.
According to Minister Al Mubarak, this year’s exhibition includes a special pavilion for mangrove trees for the first time, acknowledging their contribution to mitigating climate change, safeguarding coastlines, and promoting biodiversity.
The Minister pointed out that Bahrain’s initiative to empower communities through agricultural training was recognized by the Arab League, which gave the Ministry the Arab Government Excellence Award. His Majesty’s vision, which emphasizes human capital as the foundation of growth, led to the award.
The Minister also described important government initiatives carried out in accordance with royal orders, including as the distribution of land to Bahraini farmers and breeders via the Government Land Investment Platform in order to promote domestic production. Over 1.2 million square meters are covered by the effort.
Other governmental initiatives include the creation of an international dates observatory in collaboration with the International Council for Dates in Saudi Arabia and the formation of a plant genetic resources bank as a calculated move to protect agricultural sustainability. The observatory will act as a global center for knowledge sharing, expertise exchange, and environment monitoring pertaining to the production and trading of dates.
Minister Al Mubarak reaffirmed that the development of a productive and sustainable agricultural and livestock industry has been greatly aided by His Majesty’s patronage.
Cultural performances, horse shows from the Kingdom and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and traditional art exhibits were all part of the festival.
In recognition of the Royal Guard, participating businesses, and local partners’ contributions to the exhibition’s success, HM the King presented awards to competition winners and supporting organizations.
HM the King emphasized Bahrain’s dedication to fostering and expanding the agriculture and livestock industries as crucial to the country’s growth and food security at the end of the ceremony. His Majesty praised the government’s initiatives and programs led by Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, which concentrate on the growth of agriculture, livestock, and marine industries to improve food security and the food sector.
Additionally, HM the King praised the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture for organizing the show and encouraging innovation and cutting-edge technology to boost productivity in the livestock and agricultural industries. His Majesty praised the Royal Guard’s continuous efforts and thanked the Azerbaijani equestrians who participated in the opening, pointing out that their involvement symbolizes the two nations’ long-standing relationships and cooperation in equestrian sports.
HM the King praised Mara’ee 2025‘s ongoing success, its global reach, and its contribution to boosting local companies, enhancing agricultural quality, and promoting investment. His Majesty also thanked everyone who helped make the show a success and recognized the cultural and recreational activities that went along with it.
