Gulf's largest indoor garden show opens 22 February

This prestigious annual event will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain and Patron of the Bahrain Garden Club and supported by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. It will be open to the public and trade visitors. An opening ceremony for VIPs will be held at BIEC's Convention Centre on 21st February 2008.

RVBIGS is being organised by Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA), the forerunner organisation in Bahrain with a mandate of promoting inbound business tourism to Bahrain. BECA functions under the directives of its Board of Directors, chaired by H.E. Dr. Hassan A. Fakhro, the Minister of Industry & Commerce. As the venue operator for BIEC, the largest and most flexible trade show and meeting venue in Bahrain, BECAis instrumental in demonstrating the value of BIEC to the overall economy of Bahrain and in generating income and new jobs for Bahrainis in the hospitality, retail and service sectors.

"For the first time ever, this year's show is completely sold out. This is testament to the hard work and efforts of all the team and in particular on our sales team, who have not only sold two complete halls of exhibit space but have been responsible for contributing towards gaining additional sponsorship for this show,"

says Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen, Acting CEO and Director- MICE, Destination Marketing & P.R at the Bahrain Exhibition & Convention Authority (BECA).

According to BECA, its international marketing campaign is paying off. "Buyers and exhibitors coming from as far field as Japan, India, Thailand, Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, France, Germany, U.K., South Africa, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, will join ranks with Bahrain-based retailers and manufacturers of floriculture, landscaping and gardening equipment, as well as agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture research organisations," says Ms. Stanford-Kristiansen.

This year marks the first time for the Embassy of Japan to participate in this prestigious event. Garden designers will recreate a traditional Japanese garden at the BIEC, featuring elements such as Bonsai plants, unusual rocks, rare plant specimens, paintings,
water elements, sand gardens and other Zen garden influences that will invite quiet contemplation or recreation.

Thailand will unveil a beautifully landscaped garden showcasing rare Thai plants such as orchids, as well as bamboo and tropical shrubs. This will be the second time for the Embassy of Thailand to participate in RVBIGS with a larger area following their successful participation in 2007.

It is anticipated that more than 12,000 visitors will turn up for this stunning event when it opens to the public during the fourth week of February 2008. "Scented Gardens," will be the theme which will feature a wide array of aromatic plants from different parts of the globe with climates similar to that of Bahrain.

National hallmark event

Over the years, RVBIGS has evolved into a national hallmark event for Bahrain, with Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa as one of its staunchest supporters. RVBIGS 2008 will serve as the gathering point for high-level regional and international buyers, gardening and horticulture suppliers, commercial delegations, diplomats, environmental organisations and their advocates and regional farmers.

Indoor exhibits will encompass but will not be limited to flowers, plants and trees; swimming pools and equipment; garden technology, lighting and furniture; fertilizers; landscaping equipment and tools; ornamental metalwork; paving stones; irrigation systems, sprinklers; seeds and seedlings; children's playground equipment; aqua culture; jacuzzis, spas and hot tubs; greenhouses and garden sheds; awnings and canopies; ponds; barbeque and grill equipment; and domestic birds and supplies. Green technology exhibits promoting environmental sustainability in the region will continue to be a key feature of this stunning event.

Regional and international buyers, floriculture and garden equipment manufacturers and suppliers and agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture research organisations will take part in the three-day event. Lecture and live demonstrations are also part of the programme of activities.

RVBIGS will showcase the Bahrain Garden Club's (BGC) 43rd Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable show. It includes various competitions including the best garden, open flower, vegetable and fruit, experimental gardening and flower and vegetable arrangement for different age groups.

"Riffa Views Signature Estates is the title sponsor of the show and we thank Mr. Richard Browning, Riffa Views CEO, for his tremendous support," says Ms. Stanford-Kristiansen. "I would also like to take this opportunity to express my happiness for the support that RVBIGS 2008 has received from the diplomatic community. Our deep appreciation goes to Their Excellencies, the Ambassadors of Germany, India, Japan, Syria, Thailand and the U.K," emphasises Ms. Stanford-Kristiansen.

Partner sponsors for this year's show are: Al Ahd, Al Ayam, Al Waqt, Al Wasat, Al Watan, Bahrain Tribune, Gulf Daily News and Nass Landscapes. Supplier sponsors include Banagas, Bapco, GPIC, HSBC Private Bank, and International Media partners are: .Arab World Agribusiness, Garden Asia, Khaleej Times, Petrana Magazine, Umran magazine and Landscape Magazine.

RVBIGS is organised and supported by various ministries in Bahrain including the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture, the Information Ministry, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Electricity and Water Authority. Its international strategic marketing partner is Swiss-based Giardina Zurich.