Al Qasba Flower Festival inaugurated

Inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Rashed Ahmed Bin Fahed, Minister of Environment and Water, accompanied by Dutch Consul General Mr. Kees van Spronsen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands in the UAE. Dr. Salah Taher, Director General of Sharjah Municipality, Agricultural Consultant in the Gulf, Mr. Philippe De Young, officials from the Agricultural Office, Mr. Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Al Qasba Development Authority, number of officials, visitors and media.

The festival which was inaugurated on Thursday encompassed a plethora of cultural and entertainment activities.

The fragrant event that brought in some colourful creations and activities along with kiosks selling flowers and related products to its visitors.

Visitors have also the unique opportunity to view some of the top designer creations, and get close to rare and exotic desert plants during the festival. Visitors have enjoyed fireworks displays and entrainment performances on the Al Qasba walkway.

An international flower arrangement contest held at Al Qasba as part of the Flower Festival.

The Al Zanabig Floral Design Contest, considered the most prestigious floral event held in the Arab world hosting some top florists from around the region including Lebonan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Libya and the UAE participating.

The spectacular floral displays will be judged by an international jury made up of flower experts from Holland and other countries and the overall winner will be declared on the April 19 during an awards ceremony.

The criteria of judgment will be based on the florists' originality, composition, style, techniques and attitude, making it a truly special event

Visitors also have the rare opportunity of participating in floral arrangement demonstrations led by the internationally acclaimed florists during the festival.

The key sponsors of Al Qasba Flower Festival 2008 include Official Carrier: Al Khayala Airlines, Arabian Falcon Holidays, Flower Holland, Sharjah Municipality, OZ Export, Bridgestone (Nasser Bin Abdullatif Al Serkal Est) , Citi Trade, Cityscape and
Al Zanabig.