Thousands of Bahraini and expat families united in a special This Is Bahrain National Day celebration that showcased the kingdom’s values of unity, tolerance and coexistence.
The flagship annual event was held recently and brought together different communities of all ages and backgrounds, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, at the National Stadium Car Park in Isa Town.
The chief guest was Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi, who toured the exhibition booths representing churches, temples, societies, clubs, associations, and schools.
In addition, there was a stand for Productive Families featuring locally produced handicrafts, perfumes, toys, sweets, and artisanal goods – highlighting Bahrain’s commitment to supporting local families, creativity and entrepreneurship.
“This year’s theme – ‘We Are Family’ – was reflected throughout the celebration, as families from all backgrounds came together to share their love for Bahrain, their cultures, and the freedoms they enjoy, while paying tribute to the kingdom they proudly call home,” said a statement by the organisers.
The main attraction was the children’s playground, which was significantly expanded this year, offering funfair games with prizes, pony rides, and bouncy castles, along with ice cream, popcorn, snack boxes, sweets, and soft drinks.
The stage programme began with the multi-award-winning Bahrain Police Band, followed by vibrant cultural performances co-ordinated by embassies and community societies.
A highlight of the evening was a performance by Punjabi superstar Hardeep Singh, joined by his Pure Bhangra dance troupe, whose high-energy routines electrified the atmosphere and enthralled thousands of fans from all communities, joyfully celebrating together in the true ‘One Family’ spirit.
“We are deeply honoured and sincerely grateful for the Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Hamad,” said This Is Bahrain chairperson Betsy Mathieson.
“His Majesty’s kind and generous support is a powerful affirmation of Bahrain’s values of compassion, tolerance, and unity, and it enables events such as this to be shared freely with everyone.
“What we witnessed was the true heart of Bahrain – warm, welcoming, and generous. Families from every background came together in a spirit of mutual respect and love, enjoying the freedoms, harmony, and hospitality that define this kingdom and that many elsewhere can only dream of.”
Prize draws added further excitement, with 50 cash prizes of BD50, and 30 Samsung smart devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart watches, awarded to social media influencers.
“This celebration belongs to the people of Bahrain,” added Ms Mathieson.
“Their kindness, openness, and shared humanity make our country a global example of peaceful coexistence.”