I would first like to congratulate Bahrain’s wise leadership on the success of this year’s Formula One Grand Prix, which was once again held at the Bahrain International Circuit.
There is no doubt that there have been a lot of positives for Bahrain’s economy since the first edition took place more than a decade ago, and this article is clearly not enough to list all those positives.
I am very happy that Bahrain became the first destination in the Middle East to hold the prestigious event and the race every year has been a roaring success.
I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to attend every race since 2004 and I must say, I am impressed by the amazing development that has taken place over the years.
This includes the quality of programmes, the attendance, the logistics and other arrangements.
This does not mean, of course, that there were no negatives but the important thing is that the Formula One Management is working hard to study these and will be dealt with. The views of the public are being taken and would be conveyed to the Management Team.
It is well known that people who come from overseas are greatly influenced by what is known as first impression. The success of this event depends on the satisfaction of the guests at the organisational effort and the overall facilities from the moment they step in to the moment they leave.
Bahraini citizens are hospitable very happy to welcome their guests, especially those coming for the Formula One, thecCountry’s largest and most important sporting event.
This time, when I was at the circuit, I met a British family and learnt from the now retired head of the family that he had worked in a neighbouring country for 30 years.
Our conversation was about Bahrain and its good people. He told me he and his family waited for an occasion to come to Bahrain. He said what they experience in Bahrain, they had always missed where they stayed.
Bahrainis are a great people, blessed by the grace of the Almighty. I hope we preserve our social fabric and our history through the centuries and we as a people remain loyal to our land, our leadership and our service to the nation. I also hope we are never hesitant in giving, our creativity and our excellence.
We should not forget the great efforts of the staff, officials and volunteers, and all those who worked behind the scenes to make the event a great success.
We salute and respect everyone who ensured Bahrainis come across as very generous and – and that is the one single feature of its success.