Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
More then 100,000 visitors flocked to the Bahrain Endurance Village to enjoy the free three-day Bahrain Animal Production Show (BAPS), the first of its kind in the Middle East.
The organisers were overwhelmed by its pulling power and many visitors were caught up in long queues to reach Sakhir.
The inaugural show was held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and consisted of more than 100 exhibitors from around the world and thousands of animals on show.
Organises say that BAPS 2010 was not only a successful platform for businesses, it also helped raise awareness of food security and reflected a growing awareness of the importance of preserving animal production.
Dr Juma bin Ahmed Al Kaabi, Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister, said: "We are delighted with the success of the show.
"Based on the overwhelming support and attendance, our plan is to have a full review of the show to determine whether we have a yearly or bi-annual event.
"We would like to develop it further, expand and grow the event. We were surprised to have over 100,000 visitors, so we will ensure a detailed traffic plan for our next event.
"We would like to thank everyone who made this event happen. We thank His Majesty for his patronage and support of the event, the organising committee and everyone who worked to make this show such a great success. We also thank our sponsors for their support."
The show was packed with attractions including the Lipizzaner 'Dancing White Stallions' who presented an equine ballet-style performance for the first time in the Middle East.
Thrilled five-year-old Madhavi Kesavan, from Hoora, a Year One student at the British School of Bahrain said: "It was the best day ever! I loved the black horses ... I wish I could own one!"
While the event received immense positive comments, there were many teething difficulties. One frustrated family was stuck in traffic for more than three hours and decided to return home.
One visitor even updated her Facebook status while stuck in the queues, saying: "Didn't know that the whole of Bahrain was going to spend their weekend at the Animal Show... stuck in traffic for more than an hour!"
However, the many thousands who did make it enjoyed a range of entertainment which included US military dog demonstrations and a parade of Bahrain's finest Arabian horses.
In the Education Zone's main theatre, there were presentations from internationally-respected National Geographic guest speakers - journalist Joel Bourne Jr and photographer Annie Griffiths.
