Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, 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 (NIAD), inaugurated the Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS) at the Exhibition World Bahrain.

HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim valued His Majesty the King’s patronage, which has contributed to the growth of the exhibition and boosted its status as a key platform for promoting sustainable agricultural development. Her Royal Highness highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to food security, environmental sustainability, and the protection and development of the agricultural sector to maintain a balance between urban expansion and green spaces, which is essential for public health and well-being.

HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim expressed pride in the wide participation from various entities, noting that the exhibition is one of the region’s leading specialised agricultural events. Her Royal Highness added that BIGS plays a role in positioning Bahrain on the global agricultural exhibition map.

Her Royal Highness commended the efforts of public and private institutions in showcasing the latest agricultural innovations and technologies, which contribute to long-term sustainability, the expansion of green spaces, and support for Bahraini farmers in adapting to industry advancements.

HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim visited various pavilions and noted the significant progress in the exhibits and technologies on display. Her Royal Highness commended the advancements in sustainable agriculture in Bahrain and the region. HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim also expressed appreciation to participating and supporting entities for their role in the success of the event and in raising environmental and agricultural awareness. 

The exhibition featured the announcement of the Bahrain Garden Club competition winners. Bethan Robinson won His Majesty the King’s Cup for Best Residential Garden. Dalal Sami Radhi received the late His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa’s Cup in the flowers category, while Tahera Jabri won in the vegetables category. Ranjith C. P. received Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa’s Cup in the professional photography category, and Fawaz Al Hamdan won in the amateur photography category. Student Al Jouri Rashid Jamal won in the student photography category.

The Environment Friendly Garden Cup, awarded by His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, was shared by The Merchant House Hotel and the Fontana Infinity residential project. Nadia Al Zeera won Her Highness Shaikha Haya bint Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa’s Cup for Rare and Exotic Plants, while Umm Kulthoom Intermediate Girls School won the Riffa Views Cup for Best School Garden Artwork.

Her Royal Highness commended the Bahrain Garden Club’s role in promoting agricultural development. She noted that the club’s 60th anniversary reflects its long-standing contributions to agricultural awareness and sustainability in Bahrain. She highlighted the club’s efforts over the decades in expanding green spaces and enhancing the quality of gardens in the Kingdom. She also praised its commitment to organising competitions and initiatives that encourage innovation in agriculture.

At the conclusion of the event, writer Ibrahim Bashmi presented Her Royal Highness with a copy of his book on the cultural and historical significance of palm trees in Bahrain’s heritage. Her Royal Highness praised the book’s focus on the palm tree as a symbol of sustainability and an integral part of Bahrain’s rich heritage.

The Bahrain International Garden Show is an annual platform that brings together experts and specialists from the agricultural sector, along with public and private institutions. The event showcases the latest innovations and technologies in sustainable agriculture. It also promotes collaboration among industry stakeholders, facilitates knowledge exchange, and raises environmental awareness through interactive workshops and educational activities aligned with Bahrain’s national sustainability efforts.