Bahrain's natural springs, ancient irrigation methods and current water reserves will be highlighted at an international garden show to be staged next year.

The Riffa Views Bahrain International Garden Show (RVBIGS) 2009 will be held under the theme Water for Life at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIEC) from April 23 to 26.

It will be staged under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, with the support of Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women.

RVBIGS organising committee head Shaikha Maram Isa Al Khalifa said RVBIGS 2009 would explore the theme of water as it related to the history of horticulture and agriculture in Bahrain.

She said exhibits would include models of ancient techniques for water transfer, methods of irrigation and the most recent research relating to water treatment and preservation.

"The show will highlight this precious resource and its importance to Bahrain," she told a Press conference at the BIEC on Wednesday.

"Bahrain is famous for its natural springs and how it developed ways of transferring water through underground ducts.

"The show will cover the history and also showcase the current status of water reserves in Bahrain."

Shaikha Maram said RVBIGS had grown in popularity and quality over the years.

In February the show attracted a record number of 13,000 visitors and 88 international and local exhibitors - an increase of 47 per cent from the previous year.

A total of 80 per cent of the exhibition space for the show has already been booked by exhibitors from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Sri Lanka and the US.

Organisers said others will be coming on board from Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

"Now in its sixth year, the RVBIGS has grown to be an established and highly anticipated show by individuals of all ages who are interested in gardening and greenery and concerned for the preservation of the environment," said Shaikha Maram.

"This year RVBIGS aims to surpass these results by creating another beautiful and outstanding event that will attract visitors from Bahrain and abroad."

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

Indoor exhibits will include flowers, plants, trees, swimming pools and equipment, garden technology, lighting and furniture, fertilisers, landscaping equipment, ornamental metalwork, playground equipment, irrigation systems, sprinklers, greenhouses, garden sheds and ponds.

Several competitions will be featured, including Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka's prize for pottery, Bahrain Garden Club's 44th Annual Open amateur Flower and Vegetable competition and Riffa Views' Eden Challenge.

One of the stands will be devoted to The Riffa Views Eden Challenge Schools' competition, which is already underway.

Shaikha Maram said that results of the gardening and environmental projects conducted by the Education Ministry in government schools would be displayed at the show.

Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (BECA) acting chief executive officer Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen said the show was attracting the largest number of international participation and representation since it opened as the Bahrain Garden Show five years ago.

The show will open with an invitation-only ceremony on April 23. It will then open to the public from April 24 to 26, from 10am to 9pm.

It is being supported by BECA, Industry and Commerce Ministry and Giardina Zurich.

For more information contact BECA project manager Mahesh Bhatia on 17558826 or sales officer Amal Abdulla on 17558898. - TradeArabia News Service