Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa attended the opening of the eighth edition of the Bahrain International Show (Mara’ee 2025) at the Bahrain International Endurance Village.
Upon arrival, His Majesty the King was welcomed by Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, and other senior officials.
Minister Al Mubarak highlighted His Majesty the King’s continuous support for the exhibition and commitment to sustainable agriculture, food security, and the preservation of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s agricultural heritage.
The Minister also indicated that the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, drive the efforts to strengthen national food security in the Kingdom.
The minister noted that the royal vision has long regarded agriculture not only as an economic sector but as a national responsibility that supports food security, environmental sustainability, and future requirements. In this regard, the Ministry commended the support of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, whose efforts continue to advance sustainable development and agricultural initiatives.
Aligned with national directives, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture continues to expand green coverage and plant tree species suited to Bahrain’s environment, the minister said. These efforts have contributed to a more sustainable ecological landscape. He added that as part of the national afforestation plan, Team Bahrain, led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has successfully planted more than 600,000 trees and significantly expanded mangrove cultivation.
Minister Al Mubarak said that this year’s exhibition features, for the first time, a dedicated pavilion for mangrove trees, recognising their role in addressing climate change, protecting coasts, and supporting biodiversity.
The Minister noted that the event coincides with Bahrain’s recognition by the Arab League, which awarded the Ministry the Arab Government Excellence Award for its initiative to empower communities through agricultural training. The award was a result of His Majesty’s vision focusing on human capital as the cornerstone of development.
Furthermore, the Minister outlined key government measures implemented under royal directives, including the allocation of land to Bahraini farmers and breeders through the Government Land Investment Platform to support local production. The initiative covers more than 1.2 million square metres.
Additional national projects underway include the establishment of a plant genetic resources bank as a strategic step to safeguard agricultural sustainability, and the launch of an international dates observatory in cooperation with the International Council for Dates in Saudi Arabia. The observatory will serve as an international hub for expertise exchange, knowledge-sharing, and monitoring environments related to dates production and trade.
Minister Al Mubarak reiterated that His Majesty’s patronage has significantly contributed to supporting the advancement of a productive and sustainable agricultural and livestock sector.
The event included traditional art presentations, equestrian displays from the Kingdom and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and cultural performances.
HM the King awarded competition winners and supporting organisations, acknowledging the contributions of the Royal Guard, participating companies, and regional partners in ensuring the exhibition’s success.
At the conclusion of the opening, HM the King emphasised Bahrain’s commitment to supporting and developing the agricultural and livestock sectors as essential to national development and food security. His Majesty commended the government’s programmes and projects under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which focus on agricultural, livestock, and marine development to enhance food security and the food industry.
HM the King also commended the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture for its role in organising the exhibition and promoting innovation and modern technology to increase productivity in the agricultural and livestock sectors. His Majesty highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Royal Guard and expressed appreciation for the Azerbaijani equestrians featured in the opening, noting that their participation reflects the longstanding ties and collaboration between the two countries in equestrian sports.
HM the King lauded the continued success of Mara’ee 2025, its international participation, and its role in supporting local businesses, improving agricultural quality, and encouraging investment. His Majesty also acknowledged the accompanying cultural and recreational activities and thanked all those whose efforts contributed to the success of the exhibition.
