Leadership is not a position or title. It is the example and action that defines it. We are blessed in Bahrain to have such a visionary leader who embodies such unique qualities and traits. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and First Deputy Prime Minister, said in the last Government Forum “We love challenges, and adore achievements”, and on his HRH’s birthday, it is a special occasion to highlight some of those achievements.
The late and great Nelson Mandela once said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." At a very young age, His Royal Highness Prince Salman, championed education in Bahrain, and personally supported Bahraini students to achieve the highest echelons in academia. No where is that more evident than with The Crown Prince's International Scholarship Program (CPISP) established in 1999 by HRH the Crown Prince. The Program is privately funded by HRH, and many local and international sponsoring organizations, and individuals who share HRH’s vision of promoting outstanding educated young Bahrainis, providing them a generous support mechanism to achieve their dreams and aspirations. HRH Prince Salman acknowledges that Bahrain’s strongest asset is its people, and he spared no expense in order to maximize their potential for the benefit of the social and economic prosperity of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Two decades on, The CPISP has provided (and continues to provide) the Kingdom with world class lawyers, engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, bankers and more, proving that His Royal Highness knew all along that his people will make him proud, as he sees the fulfilment of his vision for a highly educated people of Bahrain.
It is no secret that HRH the Crown Prince has always had a passion for motor sports. But who would’ve known that such passion would be the catalyst that sparks a vision that would inevitably bring international recognition and admiration for Bahrain. The vision of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, to build the first Grand Prix circuit in the Middle East in Bahrain came to fruition with the launch of the first Bahrain GP on 04/04/2004, when The F1 was introduced to Bahrain, and Bahrain International Circuit “Home of motor sports in the Middle East” played host to some of the F1 greats including Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, and Lewis Hamilton. Formula 1 boss and legend Bernie Ecclestone, has always favoured Bahrain and recognized Its efforts to build a strong following for the sport in our region, saying “I feel they do a super job”. HRH Prince Salman knew that the benefits of hosting such a high profile international spectacle would outweigh its costs. With a yearly cumulative TV audience of around 2 billion people, Formula 1 has around 500 million global fans, creating multiple layers of cultural and economic benefits for Bahrain. Whilst complimenting the local and national tourism strategy, other benefits include global visibility, positive economic uplift, contributions toward tourism and job creation for Bahrainis. We all look forward to the upcoming F1 race in November. Thank you HRH Prince Salman for putting Bahrain on the map.
Clayton M. Christensen who was an American academic who developed the theory of "disruptive innovation", which has been called the most influential business idea of the early 21st century, said: “A healthy economy, empowering, sustaining and efficiency innovations operate in balance. A healthy economy creates and sustains more jobs before squeezing out inefficiencies.” Understanding the principle that a healthy economy will benefit all of Bahrain, HRH The Crown Prince is effortless in promoting Bahrain as a destination for business & investment, creating the economic infrastructure and climate that supports that vision. The Economic Vision 2030, which is strongly advocated by HRH the Crown Prince, has already shown a positive impact with the continued growth of the economy (even during these unprecedented times), creating jobs, and attracting inward investment from reputable global brands such as Kraft, Amazon Web Services, Innervate (UK based technology company, Jlanka (a Srilankan solar based energy company), to name a few, all setting up foot in Bahrain because of its potential. Such successes further enhance Bahrain’s image globally as it retains its regional title as the financial and business hub. Through the EDB and OFDPM, HRH has been incubating new businesses and young talent to help build the kingdom on its journey to sustainable development and prosperity. This could not have been achieved without HRH’s wise leadership, and faith in his people.
2020 has been a year, unlike any other, with all the challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic brought to the entire world. From an early stage of the pandemic, His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa has shown incredible foresight and leadership in the efforts that the Kingdom of Bahrain has undertaken in combatting and containing the virus. Under the direction of HRH the Crown Prince, Bahrain was quick in proactively forming The National Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (Covid-19) at a very early stage of the pandemic, gaining the international community’s admiration and recognition for the efforts Bahrain has made in saving lives, and showing proactive leadership during these unprecedented times. Former United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, His Excellency J. Adam Ereli, has penned an eloquent article praising the timely leadership and management of the corona virus in Bahrain. Such global praise and recognition of Bahrain as a global role model for combating Covid-19 makes us all proud. HRH The Crown Prince, led by example when he volunteered in the third phase of the Covid-19 vaccine trials, sending a comforting and positive message to all participants for its safety, and that it’s done for a good cause. Our humble leader, HRH Prince Salman, also praised the Kingdom’s citizens and residents for their perseverance and commitment to vigilantly follow precautionary Covid-19 measures over the past period, which has had a positive impact on lowering the number of daily active cases.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander, and First Deputy Prime Minister, have a blessed and very happy birthday. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for our beloved Kingdom of Bahrain.
&uuid=(email))