A beautiful selection of flowers, plants and trees from across the globe will be revealed at Bahrain's top annual garden show, opening at a private ceremony on Friday.

The Riffa Views Bahrain International Garden Show is being launched by Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad.

Shaikha Sabeeka, who is also the chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women, will present awards to the top winners of the event's competitions.

The student and adult competitions are in furniture building, pottery making and scientific research.

The garden show, organised by the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority, is open to the public until Sunday at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

It is held under the patronage of His Majesty and support of Shaikha Sabeeka.

The show, under the theme Scented Gardens, features a wide array of aromatic plants from different parts of the globe with climates similar to that of Bahrain.

Regional and international buyers, floriculture and garden equipment manufacturers and suppliers and agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture research organisations are taking part.

Shaikha Sabeeka's office director Shaikha Maram bint Isa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the objective was to provide a platform for exhibitors in the field of agriculture.

'We feel this sector has suffered compared to others such as the manufacturing and technology sectors that tend to be favoured,' she told the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

'The second aim is purely educational, the importance of respecting greenery and protecting what we have left. It's about creating awareness through live demonstrations and Bahrain can learn from international exhibitors also.'

'We are honoured to have His Majesty's continuous support and Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka's commitment. The message of the show is very dear to her heart and she wants it reiterated to the younger generations and adults.'

The garden show serves as the meeting point for high-level regional and international buyers, gardening and horticulture suppliers, commercial delegations, diplomats, environmental organisations and their advocates and regional farmers.

Promoting environmental sustainability in the region continues to be a key element of the show.

It also showcases the Bahrain Garden Club's 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.

'The Education Ministry has an interactive stand for children. It will have a free drawing competition, that will be judged and prizes will be awarded on the spot.

'The Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry has a scented garden and experts on hand to answer questions and we also have a scented garden.

'The Bahrain Garden Club stand will feature many flowers and vegetable exhibits.'

The garden show is supported by various ministries including Industry and Commerce, Municipalities and Agriculture, Information, Interior, Foreign Affairs and Electricity and Water Authority, and Giardina Zurich as the international strategic marketing partner.

The show is open to the public from 10am to 9pm on all three days. Lectures on garden-related themes will be held at 6pm on each day of the show.

Tickets to the show are priced at 500 fils for a three-day reusable pass. Entry for children up to the age of 12 is free.-TradeArabia News Service