The glorious national holidays of Bahrain have arrived, and Bahrain is in excellent shape.
It is more than enough for us that we are safe and secure in our beloved nation while working hard to overcome numerous obstacles and challenges.
We have tremendous optimism and faith in the future of our great country, which is led by His Majesty King Hamad and guided by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Over the course of nearly half a century, I have witnessed and experienced the numerous stages of growth that Bahrain has gone through.
On the request of the good man Jamil Wafa, I arrived in Bahrain in 1976 for a brief working visit. After work, I planned to return to Dubai, where I had established an office. But Bahrain has a unique beauty and charm, so I immersed myself in work, life, and relationships here until the idea of going back to Dubai faded from my mind.
Back then, Bahrain was expanding at a breakneck speed, outpacing all its neighbours. Its massive banking sector rose, and it became a significant regional pioneer. It also embarked on what has grown into an enormous manufacturing hub that exports most of its goods including oil, aluminium, petrochemicals.
Over the years other industries became part of this economic base. Construction of a vast and contemporary road network was developed connecting all the cities and villages. Several modern cities and townships were established such as Hamad Town, Zayed, Khalifa, and Salman. Massive housing developments, advanced health-care facilities, schools, and universities were launched.
The tourism industry, in which I work, has seen a massive renaissance as well. Bahrain became a regional and even global tourist destination, particularly after the opening of the King Fahad Causeway. Many tourism facilities, such as hotels, restaurants, commercial complexes, and entertainment zones, were created as the nation broke its geographical isolation and created a major land link with its older sister, Saudi Arabia.
It is worth noting that The King had a long-term perspective of Bahrain’s growth. As soon as he assumed responsibility after the death of his father, the late Amir HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, he forged the country into a major reform workshop with the participation of everyone, reforming all aspects of life: Politics, economics, social, cultural, and civilisational.
It’s also worth noting that Bahrain’s and the Arab Gulf states’ leaders have shown that they are strong, stable, and entirely capable of producing better levels of happiness for their citizens, residents, tourists, and visitors.
In many cases the structure draws its inspiration from the family, where the head of the state sees his responsibility to and keeps his eye on the citizens’ well-being and happiness, like a father-figure.
We believe that the national economy will see a significant resurgence in the near future. Especially since Bahrain has taken decisive efforts to battle the coronavirus epidemic and tackle its repercussions, owing to the wisdom and directions of The King and HRH Prince Salman. Then there is the comprehensive and ambitious economic recovery plan, which has further generated various subsidiary plans linked to banking, tourism, and logistics.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister has provided a comprehensive vision for Bahrain, which marks a new era of growth and prosperity. We are very proud of this leader, who epitomises Bahrain’s civilised traditions, and have high hopes for his capacity to steer our beloved nation towards a brighter future. We stand behind him, encouraging him in all his endeavours, inspired by his excellent guidance and directives. We look forward to devoting our resources, energy, and efforts into the national development process.
I owe a great debt to this wonderful country, which has welcomed my family and provided me with everything I need to develop and succeed in business. Every project I embark on is a chance for me to repay the favour by assuring the project’s success, increasing its contribution to the GDP, and employing more Bahrainis.
Today, I am proud that in many places I meet Bahrainis with whom I worked in different periods of my life here and contributed in one way or another to improve their lives, by providing a job opportunity, or a partnership in a successful project, or a housing unit in the real estate projects that I implemented.
I am certain that the Bahraini people’s awareness and support for their leadership and government will overcome any present or future challenges. Bahrain has always shown its resilience in the face of adversity, owing to its wise leadership and the unity and awareness of its people.
I am confident that Bahrain will remain a kingdom of security, safety, stability, and prosperity no matter how circumstances or external factors alter.
akram@fp7.com
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