Minister: F1 GP reflects global confidence in Bahrain

Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed
Al‑Romaihi, has lauded Bahrain’s hosting of the 2017 Formula 1 Gulf Air
Grand Prix, being a high‑level international sporting event that adds to the
continuous distinguished national development and civilisational achievements
attained by the Kingdom during His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s
prosperous era.

The minister asserted that holding the race for the 13th time since the
establishment of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), the home of
motorsport in the Middle East, in 2004, reflect the increasing global
confidence in Bahrain’s organisational and technical potentials, distinguished
human competencies, modern infrastructure, integrated media services, as
well as security equipment that ensure security, safety and tranquility for the
spectators and participating teams.

The successive successes of the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix, which has raised
the kingdom’s name at regional and international gatherings, crown the
initiatives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the
Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister,
and forward‑looking vision through the inauguration of such a civilisational

project, given its direct and indirect economic returns, tourism, investment,
trade and sport benefits, as well as its key role in promoting motorsport in the
region, Al‑Romaihi said.

He expressed the Information Affairs Ministry’s pride in cooperating with BIC
and the competent government departments to provide the necessary
technical and media services and facilities for more than 500 media figures
representing various local and international news agencies and mass media
to cover the prestigious sporting event and the recreational, artistic and
musical events held on its sidelines.

The minister added that the kingdom’s hosting of the F1 race crowns its
successful march, and represents an international vote of confidence in its
leading status on the international media and sport map.

It is also proves anew the kingdom’s long‑standing status as an oasis of
tolerance, safety and co‑existence among various religions, cultures and
ethnicities, Al‑Romaihi added.