Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the opening ceremony of the sixth edition of the Bahrain Animal Production Show (Mara’ee 2023) was held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village.
HM the King was welcomed on arrival by Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of the Agricultural and Animal Production Exhibition “Mara’ee 2023” and senior officials.
The minister delivered a speech in which he thanked HM the King for his patronage of the sixth edition of the Bahrain Animal Production Show (Mara’ee 2023) and for ongoing support for the event.
The directives of HM the King on holding the exhibition reflect the extent of its success and popularity, and Bahrain’s leading position in international exhibitions specialised in agricultural and animal production, he added.
The minister affirmed that this exhibition aligns with the royal vision on food security to secure a sustainable future, noting the efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and his commitment to overcoming challenges to maintain Bahrain’s status in various domains.
Al Mubarak announced the launch of a strategic national food production project, following HM the King’s directives during the second session of the fifth legislative term.
The project aims to increase local agricultural production, with over 520 tons of production expected in 2024, he said.
The first shrimp farming project will be launched, along with several fish farming projects set to begin production next year, he added.
The minister said that the ministry is keen to implement more initiatives to boost food production and self-sufficiency by expanding poultry production, promoting fish farming, offering agricultural investment opportunities, and implementing legislation to preserve marine wealth and fish stocks for current and future generations.
He underlined the continuous support for farmers and breeders, encouraging modern technologies and water resource uses.
The farmers’ market is a key platform for marketing Bahraini products, and is part of the efforts aiming to achieve HM the King’s vision for food security projects, he said.
The sixth edition of the Bahrain Animal Production Show (Mara’ee 2023) reflects the kingdom’s keenness under the leadership of HM the King to achieve a set of strategic goals that focus on global food production, protecting the wildlife cultural heritage, and enhancing the sector’s contribution to domestic produce, Al Mubarak.
Mara’ee in its new edition attracted companies and leading expertise in the field of agricultural and animal production, providing an integrated work system for food security, diversifying its sources, and encouraging investment in it, the minister said.
Following art and horse riding performances, HM the King awarded first-place winners in various competitions with prizes.
The awards were for Arabian hounds (saluki), horses, camels, pigeons and cattle.
The winners were His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Mohsen Ali Abdullah Hussain, Abdullah Ahmed Shaheen Al Mudhahiki, Muhammad Salem Al Maamari, Hassan Jabr Hassan Al-Nuaimi, and Hussain Habib Ali.
After that, His Majesty honored the event sponsors.
HM the King expressed the kingdom’s keenness on supporting and developing the livestock and agricultural sector, as it is crucial for achieving comprehensive development, increasing national food security, and ensuring sustainability.
His Majesty commended the government’s programmes, plans, and projects led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister that focus on agricultural, animal resources, and marine development to further enhance food security and the food industry.
His Majesty said it was important to continue efforts to boost Bahrain’s status as a destination that attracts investment through creating opportunities and a conducive environment for growth.
His Majesty thanked the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture for its efforts in organising the event, as part of its initiatives to support innovation and advancement in agricultural and animal production.
His Majesty also noted the efforts of the Royal Guard in supporting the success of the event.
His Majesty said that the participation of local companies in this edition demonstrated the support for local producers, commending the cultural, educational, and entertainment activities at the exhibition.