Bahrain Sports Summit Officially Opens Under Royal Patronage

 The Bahrain Sports Summit was officially inaugurated  at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the Bahrain Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. The event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Vice-Chairman of the Sports Authority, His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice-President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, along with ministers, officials from sports institutions and federations, and leading media representatives.

During the opening, Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa highlighted that the summit aligns with Bahrain’s national vision to develop the sports sector and enhance its role in sustainable development. He praised the continuous support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for youth and sports, which has been pivotal in Bahrain’s achievements at regional and international levels.

Sheikh Khalid also acknowledged the ongoing backing from His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the government, which has strengthened institutional planning and effective partnerships. He lauded Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty for Humanitarian and Youth Affairs and President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, for his inspirational role in supporting athletes and raising Bahrain’s flag on international stages.

The summit aims to chart a clear roadmap for developing sports in Bahrain, leveraging local and global expertise, and generating actionable recommendations to build a modern, professional, and sustainable sports ecosystem. Sheikh Khalid expressed hope that the summit’s outcomes will provide innovative solutions to existing challenges and help Bahrain adopt best international practices.

Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives

Alongside the summit, several initiatives were launched, including the naming rights sponsorship of Khalifa City Sports Hall under a partnership between the Bahrain Sports Authority and the National Bank of Bahrain, focusing on facility development and maintenance.

A solar energy project for sports facilities and clubs was also announced in collaboration with Medal Solar, reflecting Bahrain’s commitment to environmental sustainability and efficient resource use to support sports development programs.

Additionally, Sheikh Khalid received the official flag recognizing Bahrain as the Arab Sports Culture Capital for 2026 from Ashraf Mahmoud, President of the Arab Union for Sports Culture, and Faisal Asal, Director of Sports Affairs at the Arab League, highlighting Bahrain’s leading position in Arab sports.

High-Level Opening Session

The summit’s opening session featured prominent sports and intellectual leaders, including HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musaad Al Saud, business and sports leaders, Bahrain’s Minister of Education Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma’a, Minister of Information Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, and US Ambassador Stephanie Hallett. The session was moderated by sports presenter Lutfi Al-Zughaibi.

Discussions focused on the strategic role of sports in economic and social development, international partnerships, and integrating sports policies with investment opportunities. The first day addressed four main topics: sports culture, sports media, sports investment, and sports economics.

Key discussions emphasized the role of sports in national identity, promoting healthy lifestyles, digital transformation in sports media, institutional transformation of clubs into companies, public-private partnerships, and diversifying revenue streams.

Second Day Highlights

The second day focuses on sports management and the growing impact of artificial intelligence in sports, including data analytics for injury prevention, strategic decision-making, and enhancing training programs. Sessions also cover women’s sports, talent discovery, and professional development, featuring international and regional experts.