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His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa delegated His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, to honour the winners of the fifth edition of the King Hamad Award for Youth Empowerment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, in the presence of a number of ministers and senior officials. On the occasion, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa affirmed that the award has become a milestone and a pioneering international initiative, as the first award specifically dedicated to empowering youth in achieving sustainable development goals. His Highness noted that His Majesty the King's support for Bahraini and international youth has established the Kingdom of Bahrain as a global model for youth empowerment and strengthening their role in development paths. His Highness also praised the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in supporting all youth initiatives and ensuring the development of young cadres through various programmes. His Highness explained that youth participation in achieving sustainable development goals is a message of renewed hope and conscious responsibility towards the future, where young people have proven their ability to turn challenges into opportunities and offer innovative solutions and practical initiatives that have a tangible impact at the local and international levels, showcasing leadership, innovation and commitment to their communities and the world. His Highness also expressed appreciation to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for its effective strategic partnership, and to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its continued support, which reflects the integration of national and international efforts in empowering the youth. His Highness praised the efforts of the judging panels, commending their commitment to the highest professional standards, transparency and integrity, to ensure the credibility and fairness of the evaluation process. His Highness reiterated that the award will continue to enhance the youth’s contribution to sustainable development and empower them to lead positive change. His Highness wished the winners continued success and a more accomplished future for the youth of Bahrain and the world. Manal Fouani, UNDP Representative delivered a speech in which she expressed the programme's pride in participating in the award ceremony, praising the long-standing partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain for nearly five decades in supporting institutional, economic, social and environmental development paths. She explained that since its launch in 2017, the award has embodied the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to empowering youth and aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting the close cooperation with the Ministry of Youth Affairs to develop the award and strengthen its international presence, which has been reflected in its widespread global popularity. His Highness honoured the members of the preliminary and higher judging panels and the winners, with the results as follows: Youth Action Category: -Planet Award: Zain Ali Siddiqui – Pakistan -Peace Award: Ange-Marie Nicodeme Esse – Benin -People Award: Oliver Mwalongo – Tanzania -Prosperity Award: Juan Didier Pierre – Mauritius Youth Empowerment Category: -Financial Award: Ashraya Initiative for Children – India -Institutional Award: Bahrain Commercial Facilities Company BSC – Bahrain -Technical and Digital Award: National University for Science and Technology – Omanmore
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs received Javier Tebas, President of La Liga, in the presence of Abdulla Al Zain, Director General of the Office of the Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of STRIVE. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa affirmed the importance of quality partnerships between the sports and investment sectors, including the strategic partnership between STRIVE and La Liga, which is a model for regional and international cooperation that aims to consolidate the presence of football and develop it in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, to increase sports investment and joint initiatives. His Highness praised Tebas' efforts in developing La Liga and strengthening its global presence. For his part, Tebas expressed his pride in meeting His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, affirming La Liga's keenness to develop cooperation in the region through strategic partnerships and joint initiatives that promote and advance football, and consolidate its institutional and investment presence. During the meeting, they discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the fields of sports and youth, and reviewed opportunities for developing strategic partnerships to support the growth of the sports sector in the region.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs attended the conclusion of His Majesty the King's Endurance Cup Festival, organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation at the Bahrain International Endurance Village, in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment, Deputy Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club High Committee, and Member of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa expressed pride in the festival’s success, affirming that the strong competition among riders and the broad participation, reflected the prestigious status of Bahraini endurance races at the regional and international levels. His Highness praised the high technical levels that contributed to the outstanding outcomes of all races, which reflects the development of endurance sports in the Kingdom. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa crowned the winners, with rider Isa Hameed Al-Anezi from Team Victorious taking first place in the 160 km His Majesty the King’s International Cup, while rider Mohamed Al Subaie from the KHK team came in second, and rider Faisal Al-Anezi from Team Victorious came in third. Omani rider Mohammed Al Foori took first place in the 120km race for private Gulf stables, while Rashed Jamal from Al Safinat Stables came second, and Omani rider Azam Al Balushi came third.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the 25th anniversary of the National Action Charter, affirming that the Charter is a fundamental pillar that brought about a comprehensive national transformation during the prosperous reign of His Majesty the King. His Highness affirmed that the National Action Charter is a historic national milestone and an advanced model of cohesion between the leadership and the people, vision and action, ambition and achievement. His highness noted that the Charter is an inspiration to generations and confirms that nations that unite around a great goal always make greater history. His Highness stressed the need to continue national work with responsibility and determination, support the development and modernization process, and consolidate the achievements of the National Action Charter in various sectors, which enhances the Kingdom of Bahrain’s status and preserves its gains.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid bin Isa Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment, Deputy Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club High Committee, and Member of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, and Ayman bin Tawfiq Al Moayyed, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, received former international cricketer Shahid Afridi, captain of Pakistan’s national team, to review the progress of Cricket and discuss ways to develop the sport and increase its presence abroad. During the meeting, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa affirmed his continued keenness to attract international expertise and exchange visions for the future of Cricket in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which will promote the game and increase opportunities for developing talent. His Highness praised the role of Shahid Afridi in motivating young people, affirming that Bahrain is working to build an integrated sports environment that attracts expertise and provides opportunities for international cooperation. The meeting reviewed Cricket programmes in the Kingdom of Bahrain and development plans for the sport, in addition to discussing opportunities for cooperation with international experts to continue developing Cricket. His Highness and Shahid Afridi also visited the Victorious Cricket team, where Afridi was briefed on the training programmes, the stages of player development, and the efforts to raise the level of the game and build strong and sustainable teams. For his part, Afridi expressed his appreciation for the efforts of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa in developing the sports sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain, especially Cricket, affirming his keenness to transfer his international experience and expertise to support the development of the game in Bahrain.more
The Royal Endurance Team has achieved a new global milestone to add to its record of achievements, after the horse ‘Bolt de Venelles’ topped the 2025 Junior and Young Riders World Rankings issued by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, which confirms the team's status and leadership on the international stage. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Captain of the Royal Endurance Team, presented a shield and certificate of excellence to the Royal Endurance Team's coach, Jaafar Merza, in recognition of his technical and administrative efforts that contributed to this global achievement. The rankings also included Royal Endurance Team rider Isa Hameed Al-Anezi, who won third place globally in the junior and young riders category for 2025, receiving his award from His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. On the occasion, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa affirmed that these results reflect the professional approach of the Royal Endurance Team, which works hard to continue succeeding and raising the Kingdom's status in various international events. His Highness explained that focusing on junior and youth categories is an investment in the future of endurance sports. His Highness praised the efforts of the technical and administrative teams and affirmed that the coming period will witness an increase in efforts to maintain gains and make even greater achievements.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, attended the races of His Majesty the King's Endurance Cup Festival, organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation at the Bahrain International Endurance Village, with wide participation from riders, in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid bin Isa Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment, Deputy Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club High Committee, and Member of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports
His Highness also attended the 120 km race for local juniors and youth, and the 120 km and 100 km international qualifying races, amid a strong competition among participants.
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa affirmed that His Majesty the King's Endurance Cup is one of the most prominent tournaments of the season, and holds a special place in the hearts of riders and stables, which motivates everyone to prepare early and intensively to participate in the best possible condition. His Highness praised the high standards of the races and congratulated Team Victorious, which won the top three places in the junior and youth races.
His Highness crowned Team Victorious with the top three places, with Khalid Raed Abdulrahman winning the junior and youth title, Abdulaziz Yousef Taher coming second, and Jaber Bader Jafar coming third.
The 160 km race of His Majesty the King’s International Cup will be held on Saturday, which is expected to be highly competitive and exciting given the value of the title and the strong participation, in addition to the 120km race for private Gulf stables.
The Royal Endurance Team achieved a new global milestone to add to its record of achievements, after the horse ‘Bolt de Venelles’ topped the 2025 world rankings for juniors and young riders issued by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. Rider Isa Hameed Al-Enezi from the Royal Endurance Team won third place globally in the junior and youth category.more
Lieutenant General High Nighness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander, inaugurated the Royal Guard's Al Rawdha Running Track in the presence of Colone His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of the Royal Guard's Special Operations, coinciding with Sports Day. His Highness unveiled the commemorative plaque to mark the opening of the track and was briefed on its features and the key specifications on which it was built. His Highness then toured the track and reviewed its facilities. His Highness also visited the Champions Centre, where he was briefed on the programmes and activities offered, and participated in a number of games and sports exercises as part of the Sports Day activities. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa praised the unlimited support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, and the continuous follow-up of Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force, to the military sports sector, which resulted in numerous military achievements in regional and international forums. His Highness explained that the track is a qualitative addition to sports facilities and reflects the ongoing interest in developing infrastructure that supports physical activities for Royal Guard members. The track also reflects the continuous keenness to provide training grounds in various military facilities. The opening ceremony was attended by Major General Hamad Khalifa Al Noaimi, Deputy Royal Guard Commander, a number of officers and non-commissioned officers of the Royal Guard, and a number of officers from the Bahrain Defense Force.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, conveyed the greetings and appreciation of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.
This came during His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s reception of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa at Al Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of a number of Their Highnesses, Excellencies, and senior officials.
His Highness the President of the United Arab Emirates and His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa exchanged cordial talks and congratulations on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, praying to Allah Almighty to make it a month of blessing for the two countries, their brotherly peoples and the world.
The meeting also addressed the fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, and the keenness to strengthen their cooperation at various levels.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, affirmed that Sports Day, which falls on 12 February 2026, reflects the wise vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the support and follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to make sports a way of life and a fundamental pillar in enhancing the health of society and quality of life. His Highness praised the outstanding efforts led by His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the General Sports Authority and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, in organising and developing Sports Day events, which are characterised by their diversity, quality and inclusiveness, which enhance community participation. His Highness called on everyone to use this day as a starting point to renew personal and family commitment to regular exercise and making it part of their daily routine, given its pivotal role in improving fitness and mental and physical health and building a more vibrant, balanced and productive society.more
