Royal leadership hailed on Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021 achievements

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Heartfelt congratulatory messages for His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, came pouring in yesterday after the Kingdom of Bahrain successfully hosted the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021.

Since hosting the region’s first Formula One race at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) on 4 April 2004, the Bahrain Grand Prix has become increasingly popular year-upon-year and is having a hugely positive effect on the economy of Bahrain and a beneficial impact on the entire Gulf. Yesterday, it was yet another success story for Bahrain.

HM, the King was hailed by Shura Council Chairman Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh for his continued royal directives and support for the global sporting event despite the repercussions of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Al Saleh also credited HRH Prince Salman for placing the Bahrain on the international sports map and supporting the national economic and the tourism industry.

HRH Prince Salman has played a fundamental role in delivering the region’s first Formula One track launched to critical acclaim in 2004. Al Saleh also praised Bahrain competence, security and medical teams which contributed, through their dedicated efforts, to the success of this year’s edition.

Council of Representatives Speaker Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal took pride in the successful hosting of the event which reflects Bahrain’s standing as a sports, and tourism destination, since the race was first launched in 2004 in the Kingdom.

The Speaker noted the global confidence in Bahrain’s national capabilities and professional management to host the Formula One amid the pandemic.

His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, lauded HM the King’s directives and HRH Prince Salman’s direct follow-up on the progress of preparations that led to the success of the event.

National Guard Commander General His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa hailed continued motorsport successes which reflect HM the King’s support, paying tribute to HRH Prince Salman for his efforts.

Shaikh Mohammed pointed out that it will add to Bahrain’s many achievements in line with the Kingdom’s development, led by His Majesty King Hamad.

Strengthening international confidence

MP Ibrahim Khalid Al Nafiei emphasised that the attention and care that the royal leadership provides to this global sporting event has put Bahrain at the forefront of motor racing, and strengthened its international confidence in organising other events.

“Allowing the people who had taken the vaccine to attend the race confirms the Kingdom’s determination to cross into the future and achieve various success stories in sports,” said Al Nafiei.

Great care and tireless follow-up

Deputy Issa Al Dossary, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and National Security, said that the success was the result of the great care of HM the King and the tireless follow-up of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for the sports sector.

He pointed out: “This success is added to the record of achievements made by the Kingdom in all fields, especially in the field of international sports.

Bahrain’s success in organising international races such as the Formula One Grand Prix is something that strengthens Bahrain’s position on the international map.

It demonstrates to the whole world the ability and competence of Bahrain to embrace major sporting events.”

Great organisational capabilities pay off

Deputy Bassem Al Maliki indicated that the great organisational success of the race shows the level of professional work both in controlling the spread of the coronavirus and applying professional precautionary measures.

He praised the role of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister in directly following up the progress of the race and partnership between the various official bodies.

“Bahrain’s success comes due to its high potential and exemplary infrastructure that enables it to host various events despite the exceptional circumstances due to the pandemic.

Bahrain has become the capital of motorsports and Formula 1 racing in the Middle East and the focus of world attention,” said Al Maliki.