NEWS
His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander, received a delegation from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, headed by Dana Stroul, Director of Research at the Institute, as part of the delegation's visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, in the presence of Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, Deputy National Security Advisor. His Highness welcomed the delegation, affirming the importance of the close strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America, based on mutual respect and shared interests, and supporting efforts to promote security, stability and peace in the region. During the meeting, His Highness and Stroul exchanged views on regional and international developments, supporting initiatives to establish a just and lasting peace, and consolidating the principles of tolerance and human coexistence among different peoples and cultures in a manner that enhances security and prosperity for all. For her part, Stroul expressed appreciation to His Highness for his leadership vision and efforts to strengthen the partnership between Bahrain and the United States of America. She praised the Kingdom of Bahrain's leading role in promoting stability and coexistence in the region.more
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa deputized His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, to attend the official opening of the 3rd Asian Youth Games, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain from 22 to 31 October, with the participation of 45 Asian countries, which is the largest youth sporting event in the continent. The opening ceremony held at Exhibition World Bahrain, was attended by His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, Timothy Fok Tsun Ting, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia, and a number of Their Highnesses, Excellencies, dignitaries, officials of the Olympic Council of Asia, sports leaders in Asia, representatives of Asian National Olympic Committees, guests and members of the diplomatic corps. On the occasion, His Highness affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain's hosting of the 3rd Asian Youth Games is the result of the royal vision and care of His Majesty the King, who believes that young people are the cornerstone of national development, in addition to His Majesty's support, which transforms ambition into achievement and vision into reality. His Highness expressed appreciation for the outstanding support that Bahraini sports receive from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness's continuous directive to make the Kingdom of Bahrain a destination for hosting various major championships. His Highness also praised the efforts of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad and his ambitious vision, which added a new spirit to the event, as His Highness embodied determination and teamwork and ensured that the tournament was a model of professional organisation and outstanding management. His Highness added, "Today, we are not merely celebrating a sporting event but rather heralding a new era for the youth of Asia; an era in which ambitions converge. We are proud that these ambitions are under the banner of the Kingdom of Bahrain. We wish success to all participants in the tournament and affirm that the Kingdom of Bahrain will achieve great success in terms of organisation." His Highness praised the varied segments performed at the opening ceremony. His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad delivered a speech at the opening ceremony, in which he expressed pride in the patronage of His Majesty the King, and expressed gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty the King for his unlimited support for sports in the Kingdom of Bahrain. His Highness also extended thanks and gratitude to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for his support, expressing thanks and appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad for supporting the Kingdom’s youth. His Highness said: ‘This event, which brings together more than 6,000 athletes from 45 countries, embodies Asian solidarity and confirms that sport is a bridge for rapprochement between peoples and a source of pride and honour for the younger generation in our Asian continent.’ His Highness added, ‘The Asian Youth Games are not just a sporting event, but a real platform for discovering and creating future Olympic champions who will represent the Asian continent. These young people are the seeds of hope and the leaders of tomorrow, carrying the dreams of their peoples and the aspirations of their continent towards a brighter sporting future.’ His Highness welcomed all attendees and participants, wishing them success and expressing his confidence that this edition will be a milestone in the history of Asian sports and reflect Bahrain's ability to rise to the challenge and organise a major continental event in record time thanks to the efforts of all parties involved. His Highness reiterated thanks and appreciation to the Olympic Council of Asia for its confidence in granting the Kingdom of Bahrain the honour of hosting this tournament, and to all those who organized this major youth sporting event. The Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia also delivered a speech, in which he praised the efforts made by the organising committee of the Games and the extensive preparations that accompanied the event, culminating in an impressive opening ceremony. He affirmed that the Council's confidence in the Kingdom of Bahrain to host this event was well-founded, especially given the Bahraini team's well-known expertise in the flawless organisation of major championships. The ceremony began with the arrival of the deputy patron of the ceremony, then playing the royal anthem and raising the Kingdom of Bahrain’s flag. This was followed by an artistic performance combining Bahraini authenticity and Asian heritage which blended modern technology with the cultural identity of the Kingdom of Bahrain, in addition to a Bahraini Ardah performance and the Royal Military Band of the Bahrain Defence Force. The delegations of the participating countries then entered the venue, and the Bahraini delegation was greeted with a warm welcome from the crowd. Bahrain’s mixed martial arts team member and wrestling player Abdullah Jamal Ahmed and Bahrain’s triathlon player Lulwa Tariq Al-Dosari raised the Kingdom's flag. The Bahraini delegation wore traditional dress to showcase the Kingdom's culture, identity and rich history. The oath of the Games was taken by athletes Jannat Sharaf and Saman Al-Juhrami, and the oath of the referees was taken by Badr Faraj and Fatima Al-Mutawaj. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad then announced the official opening of the 3rd Asian Youth Games. The Olympic torch was then carried through several governorates of the Kingdom of Bahrain, before being officially lit by former Olympic athletics champion Ruqaya Al-Ghasra. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad also visited the exhibition accompanying the opening ceremony, organised by the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the Executive Committee of the Games, which highlights the Kingdom of Bahrain's historic participation in the Olympic and Asian Games and its achievements in all its participations.more
Under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB) announced the launch of the second edition of the “We Write in Arabic” initiative, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Information, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Visa Inc., Zain Bahrain, and Bahrain Writers Association. The initiative aims to strengthen the status of the Arabic language and link it to creativity and innovation through a national initiative targeting the 10-35 age group, which includes four main categories: short stories, graphic novels, poetry, and novels, with cash prizes of up to BD 1,000 for each winner in each category and the publication of the literary works in a book dedicated to the initiative. This initiative is part of the bank's strategy to support community development and reinforce its ongoing commitment to investing in promising national talent from the new generation to build a strong base of local talent capable of leading the future. On the occasion, Ayman bin Tawfiq Al-Moayyad, Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, said: "This initiative embodies the vision of the leadership in empowering young people and promoting their creativity. The Arabic language is not just a means of expression, but a vast space for creativity and innovation. Our participation confirms our belief in the ability of young people to shape the future with their language and identity." Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al-Nuaimi, Minister of Information, affirmed the Ministry's pride in participating in this initiative for the second consecutive year, noting that it embodies the keenness to preserve the status of the Arabic language in the cultural identity of the Kingdom of Bahrain and to ensure its use as a tool for communication and creativity between generations, as it is a fundamental source of strengthening belonging and pride in the national identity. For his part, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, emphasized the importance of such initiatives that encourage interest in the Arabic language, reinforcing the role of the Ministry of Education and schools to increase students' connection to their mother tongue and highlight their literary talents through its use as a primary means of expression. He also praised the partnership with Bahrain Islamic Bank and other institutions for the success of the initiative. For her part, Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfiqi, Minister of Youth Affairs, said: “The ‘We Write in Arabic’ initiative opens up new avenues for Bahraini youth to express themselves. We believe in their ability to transform language into a tool for creativity and influence. Our partnership is a testament to our belief in their leading role in building the future.” Fatema Al-Alawi, Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Islamic Bank, said: “We are proud to launch the second edition of the ‘We Write in Arabic’ initiative with great pride, following the inspiring success of the first edition. The initiative is not just a literary competition, but a renewed commitment to our cultural identity and a platform that enables our youth to express their creative visions in their mother tongue, the language that carries our features and values.” Ali Bailoun, Regional General Manager of Visa in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, commented: "Our participation in this initiative embodies Visa's commitment to building partnerships that are rooted in local communities. Our partnerships extend beyond economic, technical and financial aspects to include community partnerships that enhance positive impact, provide a brighter vision for the future, and support innovation and digital transformation. We are proud of this partnership and look forward to participating in more community initiatives in the Kingdom of Bahrain.” Mohammed Zainalabedin, Managing Director of Zain Bahrain, said: “The Arabic language is more than just a linguistic heritage; it is both a language of thought and technology. Our vision at Zain Bahrain is focused on empowering future generations to use their language as a tool for innovation in a rapidly changing digital world, and we are proud to be a strategic partner in this initiative that promotes cultural identity.” Dr. Rashed Najem, President of the Bahrain Writers Association, concluded: “We are proud of this cultural partnership that brings literature and young people together. This platform allows us to discover promising writers and build a bridge between literary creativity and national identity. We are proud to be partnering with this initiative for the second year in a row because of its tangible positive impact.” Registration is now open for participation in the "We Write in Arabic" initiative via a dedicated online platform, with entries to be evaluated by a committee of distinguished writers and academics. The initiative's agenda will also include interactive events and workshops, concluding with an awards ceremony for the winners to coincide with World Arabic Language Day.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of Bapco Energies, chaired the Company’s third Board of Directors meeting for the year 2025. The meeting focused on reviewing strategic progress, assessing group-wide initiatives, and receiving updates on the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP). The Board reviewed developments across the Group’s key initiatives and noted the milestones achieved during the third quarter, with an emphasis on delivering integrated value across subsidiaries and sustaining alignment with long-term strategic objectives. Updates were also presented on the Bapco Modernization Project (BMP), the Group’s largest undertaking, which continues to make solid progress against its planned timeline and remains central to advancing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s energy sector. The Board reviewed the final governance documents creating BxT Trading, a new joint venture between Bapco Energies and TotalEnergies. It also reviewed progress on the 3D seismic survey, long-reach drilling in the Khaleej Al Bahrain (KAB) field, and the deep gas exploration program being pursued onshore with EOG. Commenting on the outcomes, Mr. Mark Thomas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Energies, emphasized that the progress achieved in the third quarter reflects the Group’s commitment to executing its strategy and delivering tangible results across subsidiaries, strengthening competitiveness and advancing the Kingdom’s energy infrastructure.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the 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 McLaren’s victory in the 2025 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship for the second consecutive year. His Highness affirmed that this historic victory reflects the vision and aspirations of His Majesty the King that aim to always place the Kingdom of Bahrain in leading positions, and reflects the continuous support and efforts of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in supporting the achievements of McLaren in Formula 1. His Highness explained that the McLaren team has become a global model for motorsports through its continuous successes, making it a source of pride for the Kingdom of Bahrain in Formula 1 racing. His Highness wished the team continued success.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Captain of the Royal Endurance Team, met with the riders and technical and administrative staff of the Royal Endurance Team, after their outstanding participation in the World Youth Championship held in Romania, where the team won second and third places and the best horse condition award. His Highness emphasised that these results are a real gain for Bahraini endurance and send a clear message that endurance riding continues to develop. His Highness wished the team continued success in future championships, affirming that the riders' outstanding performance reflects the team's strong teamwork and determination. For his part, Dr. Khalid Ahmed Hassan, the Director of the Royal Stables and the Royal Endurance Team, expressed thanks and appreciation to His Highness for his great support, continuous interest and close follow-up of all details, affirming that this support motivates the team to achieve more honourable results for Bahraini endurance. The Royal Endurance Team riders also expressed gratitude and appreciation to His Highness for his continued support, noting that this support gives them a significant boost to perform their best in upcoming events.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, on the honorable global achievement of Bahraini champions at the World Athletics Championship held in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, represented by Winfred Yavi winning the silver medal in the 3000m steeplechase, and Salwa Eid Naser winning the bronze medal in the 400m final. His Highness explained that this global excellence reflects the support Bahraini sports receive from its leadership, which provided athletes with opportunities to excel in international forums. Moreover, His Highness praised the efforts made by His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa in supporting the sports movement and national teams, and his keen follow-up, which resulted in this global excellence. His Highness also praised the role of the Bahrain Athletics Association, headed by Mohammed Abdullatif bin Jalal and the members of the Board of Directors, and their outstanding efforts in creating the ideal atmosphere for the national team at the World Championship. Furthermore, His Highness commended the perseverance and outstanding performance of Winfred Yavi and Salwa Eid, noting that their achievements reflect the progress of Bahraini sports and its prestigious position on the global stage.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs praised the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, for continuing to develop cooperation relations with the friendly Republic of Serbia, to achieve the joint aspirations of both countries. His Highness pointed out that the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, is exerting strenuous efforts to strengthen the Kingdom of Bahrain's position on the international stage and support initiatives aimed at expanding areas of economic and investment cooperation, and encouraging the private sector to actively engage in various joint programmes and projects. This came during His Highness’s meeting with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation led by its Chairman Sameer Abdulla Nass, in the presence of Ahmad Abdulrahman Al Saati, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia residing in Russia, Bahraini businessmen and prominent economic figures, within the framework of His Highness’s official visit to the Republic of Serbia. His Highness affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to strengthen its economic and trade relations with the Republic of Serbia, praising the vital role of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry in supporting the Bahraini private sector and enabling it to enter new markets, including the Serbian market. His Highness noted the importance of the Chamber's role in strengthening investment partnerships with Serbia, which advances sustainable development and opens up vast opportunities for the Bahraini economy, traders and entrepreneurs to exchange experiences and expand joint investments. For their part, the Chairman and members of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a number of Bahraini businessmen expressed their appreciation for the support of His Highness in empowering the Bahraini commercial sector and strengthening its role on the international stage.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, arrived in the Republic of Serbia on an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and Serbia in various fields, particularly economic, commercial, investment and military aspects. His Highness was received upon his arrival at Belgrade International Airport by, Marko Đurić, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, and Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Saati, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Republic of Serbia, residing in the Russian Federation. This visit comes within the framework of the Kingdom of Bahrain's keenness, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to develop its relations with friendly European countries and increase bilateral cooperation to achieve common interests.more
His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Representative of HM the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of Bapco Energies, received Mr. Ahmad Jaber Al-Eidan, Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Oil Company, in the presence of H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, the Minister of Oil and Environment and senior officials. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait in energy, with an emphasis on technical and engineering knowledge exchange. His Highness praised the company’s regional leadership in oilfield management. Mr. Al-Eidan expressed his appreciation for His Highness Shaikh Nasser’s efforts in expanding collaboration to serve shared interests between the two brotherly nations. The meeting was held alongside Kuwait Oil Company’s participation in MEOS-GEO.more
