Bahrain: The Formula One race is testament to Bahrain’s firm commitment to fostering economic opportunities, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, said yesterday.
This principle continues to inform every aspect of the kingdom’s sustainable development efforts, he said as he took part in the 2016 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix awards ceremony.
He presented trophies to winner Nico Rosberg of Mercedes, runner-up Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and third-placed Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.
Bahrain has a long-standing reputation as a regional innovator, which also extends to motorsport as the kingdom was the first in the region to hold a Formula One race, the Crown Prince said.
He said since the construction of Bahrain International circuit (BIC) in 2004, which was completed in an impressive 16-month period, the track has steadily provided new growth opportunities for the kingdom’s tourism sector, which is a vital pillar of Bahrain’s economic diversification strategy.
The Crown Prince thanked BIC staff and partners for the successful organisation of the race, and praised Bahraini volunteers who worked throughout the weekend and acted as global ambassadors for the kingdom.
Earlier, the Crown Prince toured BIC ahead of the race.
He said the Grand Prix continues to facilitate employment opportunities throughout the kingdom, and that the event has become an important component of Bahrain’s diverse economic strategy.
He said the Formula One weekend continues to be delivered by Bahrain’s highly-skilled workforce, who have supported the race’s development for over a decade.
The Crown Prince noted that while the race provides direct domestic benefits across the tourism and services sectors, the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix also plays an important role in showcasing Bahrain on a global stage. He also emphasised the role Bahrain Grand Prix has played in developing motorsport in the region.
His Majesty received a cable of congratulations from His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa marking the success of the Grand Prix.
The leadership also received cables of greetings on the success of the race.
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