His Majesty King Hamad attended the Bahrain First Festival 2026, organised by the Education Ministry at Bahrain National Stadium.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was received by Education Minister Dr Mohammed Mubarak Juma along with a number of ministry officials. Students attending the festival, numbering around 30,000 from public and private schools, welcomed His Majesty.
The ceremony opened with the national anthem, followed by recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by student Khalid Abdulghani Humood from Al Muharraq Secondary Boys School.
His Majesty delivered a speech to teachers, parents and students, welcoming the return of the Bahrain First festival. His Majesty noted that the students’ participation embodies their spirit of loyalty and commitment to the kingdom and emphasised that the nation deserves the utmost effort of all its people.
His Majesty congratulated those working in the education sector on its achievements, both institutional and individual, and urged continued dedication to support Bahrain’s development through knowledge and learning. His Majesty urged continuing to exert efforts to build on Bahrain’s rich heritage and its longstanding role as a hub of education and culture.
The King thanked teachers for their contribution to human development, describing them as the true capital of nations seeking security, stability and prosperity.
The minister in his speech expressed appreciation for His Majesty’s patronage of the Bahrain First Festival 2026. He highlighted the support accorded to the education sector in the kingdom and underscored the role of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in supporting the development of education and related initiatives.
Dr Juma reiterated his ministry’s commitment to advancing the education system and enhancing the quality of its outcomes.
Members of the ministry presented a commemorative gift to His Majesty.
The event also featured the Bahrain First operetta, produced and performed by the Education Ministry, with the participation of around 4,000 male and female students. The operetta included several musical and artistic segments.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Majesty was bid farewell with the same warm reception accorded upon arrival.
Following His Majesty’s directive to prepare for the centenary commemoration of the start of formal government education for girls, the Education Minister expressed appreciation for the royal directive, noting that the ministry would immediately begin necessary preparations for the celebration in recognition of Bahraini women and their educational contributions across generations.
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