Launch of the First Bahrain Veterinary Medicine Conference and Exhibition 2025, Attended by the Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and a Select Group of Experts and Specialists

His Excellency Engineer Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, inaugurated the First Bahrain Veterinary Medicine Conference and Exhibition 2025 today, Thursday, at Awal Hall, Gulf Hotel. The event runs over two days, Thursday and Friday, September 25–26, 2025, with wide local and international participation.

In his speech during the opening ceremony, H.E affirmed that holding this conference reflects Bahrain's firm commitment to supporting the animal wealth sector as a key pillar of food security and sustainable development. He noted that the conference serves as an effective platform for exchanging expertise, building shared visions, and launching quality initiatives that contribute to the advancement of veterinary medicine and the improvement of veterinary healthcare services at the national and regional levels.

He added that the conference addresses key issues, including a review of veterinary legislation and standards, the exchange of best practices in veterinary healthcare, and the role of modern technology in developing services, in addition to exploring the future of veterinary medicine amid global changes. He pointed out that veterinary medicine is not limited to protecting animal health but is also a fundamental pillar of public health and food safety, as well as a key driver of the national economy through the "One Health" initiative.

Mr. Abdulhakim Al Shamari, Vice Chairman of the Bahrain Businessmen's Society, also delivered a speech in which he stressed the importance of private sector participation in supporting veterinary medicine projects, noting that investment in this vital sector contributes to its development and sustainability.

The Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of Checklist Events, Trade and Consultancy, Mr. Abdulrahim Naqi, also explained the importance of the partnership with the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture in advancing veterinary medicine, affirming that this event highlights the significant potential the sector holds both in Bahrain and across the region.

The opening ceremony also included the honoring of a number of pioneers of veterinary medicine in the Kingdom of Bahrain. H.E honored the following:

• The late Dr. Thuraya Ahmed Al Saffar – Bahrain's first female veterinarian (the honor was received on her behalf by her children).

• Dr. Ahmed Al Ameer – Bahrain's first male veterinarian.

• Dr. Jaffar Abdulhussain Al Iskafi – one of the most prominent pioneers of veterinary medicine in the Kingdom.

•  Dr. Tony Coates – one of the leading figures in the field.

The conference features specialized panel discussions with the participation of a select group of experts and specialists, addressing topics that support sustainable development efforts and strengthen the Kingdom's food security system. It also includes an accompanying exhibition featuring leading companies, pharmacies, factories, and veterinary clinics, showcasing their latest products and services and opening new avenues for investment and commercial partnerships.