On Monday 28 February 2011 I attended the opening ceremony of ‘Al Ain Paradise’, a stunningly beautiful display of hanging flower baskets right on the edge of the desert. Al Ain is known as the 'Oasis' or 'Garden city' of the Emirates, but this garden stood alone in its impressiveness. The purpose of my visit was to verify on behalf of Guinness World Records, that Al Ain Paradise was the world's largest display of hanging baskets.
The garden had set the Guinness World Records achievement last year when I personally counted 2,426 hanging baskets. This year however, Akar Landscaping Services and Agriculture (the company responsible for the garden), had decided to expand the garden to make it even more impressive, and hopefully to break their own record.
On my arrival I was presented with a plan of the garden and went straight to work. It is no mean feat counting so many hanging baskets, so I took my time as I followed the plan, ushered around the garden by Mr Abdel Nasser, Managing Director of Akar.
When we were satisfied that the final number was correct, we returned to the office to prepare for the arrival of Sheikh Tahnoon, ruler of Al Ain, who was coming to officially open the garden at sundown.
At around 5 pm I took my seat near the stage, set up in the heart of the garden, and awaited the Sheikh’s arrival. Sheikh Tahnoon soon arrived with a large procession of family, dignitaries and security, and I took to the stage to give the presentation with the final results. I had counted an impressive 2,968 hanging baskets, securing a new Guinness World Records achievement. I presented the official Guinness World Records certificate to Sheikh Tahnoon, in whose honour the garden was created, and the celebrations began.
Source - Guinness World Records
