The Bahrain International Agricultural and Livestock Exhibition, “Mara’ee 2026,” concludes today at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in the Zallaq area. These events represent the latest chapter in a seven-decade-long tradition of agricultural exhibitions in the Kingdom of Bahrain, reflecting the nation’s commitment to strengthening its food security framework and fostering innovation within the agricultural sector—a key pillar of sustainable national development.
From an economic perspective, agricultural exhibitions like “Mara’ee 2026” serve as vital national platforms that stimulate activity in the agricultural and livestock production sector. They provide producers with a space to showcase their goods and services, facilitate technology transfer, and localize innovation. By bridging the gap between scientific research and the practical application of modern agricultural technologies and practices, these exhibitions contribute to enhanced production efficiency. Furthermore, they play a crucial role in building collaborations and partnerships between the public sector, private companies, and academic institutions. This fosters the exploration of opportunities and challenges related to food security, the exchange of expertise, and the dissemination of knowledge—supported by concurrent conferences and a diverse range of exhibitions and activities for visitors to explore.
The history of agricultural and livestock exhibitions in the Kingdom of Bahrain dates back to 1957, when His Highness Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (may he rest in peace) inaugurated the first agricultural exhibition at Al-Andalus Garden—a historic milestone that laid the modern foundation for such exhibitions in the Kingdom. The commitment to organizing such exhibitions has continued, marking a qualitative shift in how products are showcased and how emerging ventures, modern technologies, and contemporary practices within the sector are presented—all in support of the national food security agenda. Building upon this historical legacy, the inaugural edition of the “Mara’ee” (Pastures) exhibition was launched in 2010, ushering in a new era for agricultural and livestock exhibitions in the Kingdom. The current edition, “Mara’ee 2026,” serves as a continuation of this deep-rooted national heritage, now shaped by a more advanced vision that embraces innovation and technology.
This year’s edition of “Mara’ee 2026” introduces fresh perspectives, reflected in the organization of its pavilions and events, as well as a diverse array of displays—ranging from various breeds of livestock and birds to exhibitions featuring horses, camels, and equestrian arts. Visitors were also able to explore local products, advanced agricultural and livestock production technologies, and modern practices for resource sustainability. Furthermore, the exhibition provided a national platform for the exchange of local and international expertise in agriculture, water technologies, and environmental practices, while fostering partnerships and collaboration among government entities, private sector leaders, farmers, and experts within this vital sector. Concurrently with the exhibition, the “Engineering and Innovation for Sustainable Food Security 2026” conference was held, organized in collaboration between the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and the Bahrain Society of Engineers. The conference attracted a range of experts, researchers, and academics, providing a platform to discuss diverse advanced experiences and practices, while exploring new methods and technologies for the development of the agricultural and livestock sectors. The event featured 27 scientific contributions—comprising 6 keynote lectures and 21 research papers—delivered by 25 speakers from six countries across national, regional, and international levels. Topics covered included smart irrigation systems, controlled-environment agriculture, the application of artificial intelligence, robotics, and big data, as well as water treatment technologies, soilless farming, and renewable energy.
While previous editions of the exhibition focused primarily on showcasing farmers’ produce alongside modern capabilities and technologies within the agricultural and livestock sectors, the “Mara’ee 2026” exhibition took on a distinct character. It continued to highlight local products and modern technologies, while the accompanying conference provided a specialized space to discuss innovation and sustainability in agricultural and livestock production. Furthermore, the event showcased a broader range of scientific expertise and experiences—both locally and internationally—with a particular emphasis on the latest developments in sustainability as it relates to food security. This reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing the exhibition experience, strengthening its contribution to the national economy, and solidifying the status of the agricultural and livestock sector as a vital component of the food security ecosystem and sustainable development.

Ali Ebrahim Faqih, Senior Analyst