Thousands of people flocked to the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir yesterday for the kingdom’s largest animal show which was inaugurated by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on Tuesday.
The Bahrain Animal Production Show (Mara’ee 2024), which is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, promises to be the biggest one yet, according to organisers, with thousands of animals on display.
More than 800 breeders, farmers, plant nurseries, government agencies and animal societies are taking part in this year’s edition.
For the first time ever, a Farmers Market has also been organised, with the aim of promoting local Bahraini products.
Mansoor Al Khayyat, a local farmer, expressed his delight at being given the opportunity to feature at this year’s edition.
“We are excited to participate for the first time ever,” he told the GDN.
“The Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry reached out and asked if we were interested in participating, and we eagerly said yes.
“So far, it has been a lively event, and I hope we get to come back next year.”
The popular animal shows also make their return, including the Bird Show, Pigeon Show, Cat Show, Dog Show, Falcon Show and Chicken Show.
Children and families got to interact and play with the animals, having birds perch on their shoulders, playing with the cats and dogs and learning about falcons.
The biggest tent was allocated to the Bird Show, organised by the Bahrain Birds Society, which was the most popular show last year.
Many different species of birds including Macaws, African Greys, Cockatoos, Cockatiels, Zebra Finches, Budgies and the kingdom’s national bird, the Bulbul, were on display.
“We have more types of birds on display than ever before,” said society member Fatima Fadhel.
“It has been a good show so far, and the children especially look like they enjoy interacting with the birds.”
The Chicken Show, organised by local breeders, has stepped up with more variety than ever before, including more than 65 breeds of chickens.
“We have the Brahma Chicken, which is the largest in the world, and the Malaysian Serama, which is the smallest, and their eggs as well,” said the show’s head Mohammed Al Aradi.
“For the first time ever in the kingdom, we also have the Dragon Chicken whose meat is the most expensive in the world.
“Local breeders have put together a unique show which we are very proud of.”
Due to popular demand, Mara’ee 2024 was extended from three days to five, and the timing has also been extended, with it running from 9am to 9pm from November 27 to December 1.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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