Mara’ee Bahrain Animal Production Show 2012 has come to close with a resounding success over the past six days and attracted over 200,000 visitors.
This year 161 exhibitors, including 100 international exhibitors from 32 countries, took part in the trade exhibition, each showcasing their unique expertise and how it can contribute to the continued growth of Bahrain’s Animal production, farming and agriculture sectors.
Dr. Juma Alkaabi, Minister of Municipalities and Urban Planning and head of the steering committee responsible for the Mara’ee exhibition, says this year’s event has proven to be more successful than was ever expected.
“We’ve had more exhibitors – both international and local; more visitors and more areas,” he said. “Every aspect of the festival has exceeded expectations. It has been a huge undertaking and we are proud of the support we’ve had, with so many people travelling out to visit and take part in all the different activities we’ve had going on.”
A major part of the Mara’ee event is trade and growing Bahrain’s animal production industries.
“Mara’ee represents an opportunity to bring together the largest number of exhibitors, investors, suppliers and professionals in the fields of animal and fish production in region,” Dr. Juma said. “The trade exhibition creates a platform for business development, for investors to negotiate business deals and scientists to share their knowledge and experience, helping to further establish as a leader in the world animal production industries, which currently contribute 1.5% of the total world GDP.”
“The Animal Production sector plays a major role in ensuring food security for generations to come and the Kingdom of Bahrain has devoted its attention to promoting this sector. This devotion has been felt on all levels as support has been extended to strengthening the primary core.”
“Our Ministry is helping in the adoption of industry best practices, techniques and capability building, in line with the national strategy for sustainable agricultural development and capacity.”
“As you see, Mara’ee is focussing on the importance of animal production and health and the ongoing enhancement of the benefits for individuals, investors and businesses. Technology and science also featured highly in the event showcasing the major role they play in the emerging trends, with emphasis on livestock, poultry and aquaculture.”
The first Mara’ee Bahrain Animal Production Show in 2010 attracted 125 exhibitors from 26 countries and more than 100,000 visitors.
For the general public, Mara’ee has been a source of fun, fascination, learning and entertainment.
Visitors have been treated to awe-inspiring performances by the famous Andalusian “dancing stallions” some of the world’s top horsemen, as well as local steeds from the Bahrain Royal Stud.
Education and an understanding of the environment have been taught to visitors through interactive activities, games and productions designed to knowledge of the world around them and encourage ongoing interest in it.
Dr. Nabeel Mohamed Abu Alfatih, Undersecretary of Ministry of Municipalities and Urban Planning and head of the Mara’ee organising committee, said that when organising the event, it was very important to connect to the families who would be visiting the site to ensure that all would enjoy the show and have an eye opening experience.
“We brought in specialists from around the world to help present this understanding and knowledge and it has been very successful,” he says. “For families Mara’ee has been one of the most popular exhibitions we’ve ever had in Bahrain. The response from parents has been amazing, they have really taken advantage of all the different areas and activates, learning with their kids and taking joy in the time together.”