‘2015’ comes to an end! A flashback into the year

The Kingdom of Bahrain witnessed a number of remarkable events during the past 12 months. Some of these events were sad, happy, honourable or glorious. Whatever it is, it will sure be carved in the memories of the people of Bahrain

January 6

On this date and for the first time in the democratic history of Bahrain, Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, along with Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa visited the House of Representatives to submit the Government Action Plan for the years 2015 – 2018 to MPs for studying and approval.

January 7

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa received Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

January 19

Following the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Secretary General Dr. Mustafa Al Sayed laid the cornerstone of a USD2 million school for Syrian refugees in Al Azraq refugee camp in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

A group of eight Bahraini motorcyclists accompanied RCO delegation to the camp, spreading joy among refugee children.

January 23

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa joined leaders of the world at the funeral of the late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who passed away on January 22.

January 28

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the presence of Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

February 3

Former Indian President late Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam visited the Kingdom of Bahrain where he met with Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

During his visit Dr. Kalam also met ministers, community leaders, school students and participated in a luncheon reception on the occasion of the fourth anniversary of DT News.

February 7

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports First Deputy Chairman, Bahrain Athletic Federation President HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa was blessed with a baby boy, whom he named after the late Saudi Monarch King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al Saud HH Shaikh Khalid was congratulated on the happy occasion by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa who expressed good wishes for the baby and his parents.

February 8

His Majesty the King’s Representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa wearing the seat belt on the first day of implementing the new traffic law in Bahrain, introducing a set of new rules and tougher penalties that contribute in ensuring traffic safety in the Kingdom.

February 18

Wife of His Majesty the King & Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa inaugurated on this date the Bahrain Japan Friendship Garden at Al Areen Wildlife Park.

February  22

Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa co-chaired with Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj the first India-Bahrain High Joint Commission held in New Delhi.

February 25

Wife of His Majesty the King & Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa inaugurated the eleventh edition of Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS).

February 27

His Majesty the King’s Representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa participated in the Dubai Triple Crown Triathlon Championship, along with Qatari special needs child Ghanem Al Muftah, making his dream to participate in such a competition come true.

March 2

Spring of Culture 2015 festivities began at Arad Historic Fort on this date when American R&B singer and pianist John Legend performed for the first time in the Kingdom. The multi Grammy Award winner left the audience dazzled by his live performance. The spring of culture activities were co-organised by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) and the Economic Development Board (EDB).

March 4

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa opened the 41st Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition, a month-long event that was held at Bahrain National Museum. The event, which hosted a wide variety of artworks of local, regional and international artists, was organised by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA).

March 11

Bahraini well-known poet Abdulrahman Rafee passed away at the age of 79, following a long battle with illness.

The deceased has nine volumes of vernacular and standard Arabic poetry to his credit and his poems are widely acclaimed in the Gulf region and throughout the Arab world. The deceased was mourned by the Wise Leadership and the people of Bahrain.

March 14

Emirati superstar Hussain Al Jassmi performed to a packed audience at Arad Fort as part of the Spring of Culture 2015 celebrations.

March 17

Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa has been awarded as the Best Arab Political Figure in Social Media. The award was presented to him by UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the Arab Influencers’ Summit in Dubai.

March 18

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, in this date inaugurated Al Hidd Naval Base and Al Jalea’a Camp and delivered the Royal Force’s flag, in the presence of Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

April 1

The new public transportation operator (Man Bus) was officially launched in the Kingdom. Ten new routes were introduced and covered by 141 fully equipped busses. The new buses are equipped with modern services such as free WiFi, facilities for passengers with special needs and special safety and environmental features.

April 18

Known as Mr. Worldwide, multi-award American Hip Hop and RnB artist Pitbull performed live on Bahrain International Circuit stage to a sold-out crowd, one day ahead of the big race day.

April 19

Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa awarded Mercedes F1 Team driver Lewis Hamilton as the champion of the 2015 Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which was dubbed as the most successful season held at Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir.

May 1

His Majesty the King’s Representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports First Deputy Chairman, Bahrain Athletic Federation President HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the second KHK National Mixed Martial Arts Try Outs that was held at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town. 

May 5

A team of volunteers from the Royal Charity Organisation (RCO), Bahrain have begun their relief operations in Nepal, delivering over 30 tonnes of aid to the relief organizations in Katmandu. 

May 14

Thousands of fans gathered in Central Manama Gold City Market to see their favourite Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor who opened Malabar Gold and Diamonds new store in Manama.

May 16

HM the King and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Ireland honoured Bahrain Royal Endurance Team members, the winners of the Military Show jumping Championship held at the Windsor Royal Great Park as part of the International Royal Windsor Horseshow.

May 22

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has been chosen as the Best Arab National Personality for 2015 by the Arab Creators Union (ACU) in tribute to His Majesty’s influential role in the Arab arena.

June  7

Seven youth under the age of 26 were awarded with cash prizes of BD21, 000 as part of the First Bahrain Awareness Awards, which tackled the issues faced by domestic helpers in Bahrain and recognised the important role of expatriate labourers within the community.

June 8

Bahrain National Athletic Team Runner Kemi Adekoya broke a new record in the 400m Women hurdles (54:31) race, held within the 21st Asian Athletics Championships in Wuhan, China, placing herself on top of the world women runners ranking for 400m (International Ranking).

June 10

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa laid the foundation stone of the new Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa Specialist Cardiac Centre in Awali. The major medical project worth BD40 million is expected to open in 2018.

July 3

Amidst the sectarian tensions that swept the region lately, Bahrain set a unique example of unity and coexistence by organising unified prayers that gathered Muslims of both Sunni and Shia sects in  a unified prayer. Showing official support to the popular initiative, ministers, MPs and government officials took part in the prayers.

July 30

Bahrain Summer Festival, a month-long programme, was inaugurated by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities President Shaikha Mai bin Mohammed Al Khalifa.

August  7

Ten-year-old Bahraini swimmer Al Zain Tariq on this date was named as the youngest swimmer to compete in World Swimming Championship that was held in Russia. She was received by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in November.

August 20

Sesame Street performed live in Bahrain as part of their world tour and Bahrain Summer Festival 2015 programmes.

August 28

Japanese street dance group Wrecking Crew Orchestra dazzled the audience with an outstanding performance as part of the festivities of Bahrain Summer Festival 2015.

September 5

Five Bahraini soldiers were martyred in Yemen on this date. Their bodies were flown to Bahrain on the next day and were buried on September 6. Huge popular funerals were held in Muarraq and Riffa where the martyrs were buried. BDF commanders, including HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa were in the front lines of the processions.

September 8

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa was received by French President François Hollande in Paris on an official visit.

September 27

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has conferred the “Information and Communication Technology in Sustainable Development” on HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa during a ceremony held at the United Nations headquarters in the presence of countries’ leaders, heads of governments, senior UN officials, diplomatic corps.

September 28

Bahrain Summer Festival 2015 was concluded by an amazing performance of Jordanian artiste Oraib Hamdan who performed at the Cultural Hall in Manama.

October 3

Thousands of Anime and Gaming fans gathered at the annual IGN Anime and Gaming convention.

October 7

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, received at Al Sakhir Air Base today, in the presence of the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, members of the BDF’s “Duty Force-One”, led by Royal Guard Commander Brigadier-General Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and the Royal Guard Special Force Commander Major Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

October 16

World British artist Sacha Jafri has dedicated his latest painting, “The Soul of Bahrain”, to Wife of His Majesty the King Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa.

October 21

Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities President Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa was honoured by the World Monuments Fund for the role she plays in preserving and protecting world heritage, especially the traditions and culture of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

October 24

Bahrain Royal Endurance Team dominated the podium of the World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors held in Santiago City, Chile.

October 30

Bahrain hosted the Eleventh Regional Security Summit IISS Manama Dialogue, which saw the participation of world leaders and security experts including the Egyptian President Abdulfatah Al Sisi, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Philip Hammond, Saudi Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Al Jubeir, US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and more. The three-day event intensively discussed the latest security development in the world.

October 31

The groundbreaking ceremony of the British Naval Headquarters in Bahrain was held in the presence of Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Philip Hammond. The base is the first for the British forces in the region since 1967.

November 13

More than 600 vehicles were displayed at Bahrain Automobile Gathering that was jointly organised by Bahrain Car Show, Bahrain International Circuit and local and GCC car clubs.

November 20

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports First Deputy Chairman and Bahrain Athletics Association President HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa congratulates Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Mixed Martial Arts (KHK MMA) Team fighter Hussain Ayad as he scored the first victory for Bahrain abroad, during the team’s participation in the European International MMA Open Championship for amateurs in Birmingham, UK.

November 24

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa opened the 24th Jewellery Arabia Exhibition. The event saw the participation of more than 600 exhibitors from 30 nations and was attended by thousands.

December 13

Supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the IronMan 70.3 Bahrain Championship and the final stage of Nasser Bin Hamad Triple Crown Triathlon Series were held on this day with the participation of 1100 local, regional and international triathletes.

December 16

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa honoured 54 Bahrainis for their excellence in their respective work fields. The honouring came as part of a reception ceremony that was held in Sakhir Palace on the occasion of the 44th National Day and the 16th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne. Majesty. The honoured personalities included ministers, consultants, engineers, athletes, diplomats, economics and military and police personnel.

December 17

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa patronised a Commemoration Day ceremony at Al Sakhir Palace, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa.

Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, National Guard Chief Lieutenant-General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior Lt General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Royal Guard Commander Brigadier Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Special Royal Guard Force Commandant Major Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. 

December 27

Under the Patronage of HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Dragon City was launched in Bahrain on this date. The USD100 million project consists of more than 700 shops and is located to the northeastern side of the island near Diyar Al Muharraq and Amwaj islands.