Each year on the 16th and 17th of December, Bahrain lights up with joy and pride as the nation comes together to celebrate its National Day. This momentous occasion transcends generations, uniting citizens and residents in a shared expression of love for the Kingdom. Streets are adorned with flags, homes shine with lights, and the air is filled with festivities that honour Bahrain’s rich history and vibrant future.
This year’s celebrations hold an added significance as Bahrain reflects on 25 years of visionary leadership under His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Through his unwavering commitment to progress and reform, the Kingdom has flourished as a beacon of inclusivity and innovation.
As we mark Bahrain’s 53rd National Day, we embark on a journey through the nation’s proud milestones—moments that have shaped its story of resilience, achievement, and unity. From its embrace of modernity to its heritage preservation, Bahrain continues to inspire all who call it home.
Let us celebrate the past and the present while looking forward to a future that shines even brighter for this remarkable island nation.
This year, Bahrain proudly commemorated a milestone in its rich history—25 years of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s reign. Since ascending to the throne in March 1999, His Majesty has led Bahrain into a new era, embracing modernity while honouring the Kingdom’s heritage.
His Majesty’s reign has been a testament to progress and reform. Adopting the National Action Charter became a special highlight of his leadership, reinforcing Bahrain’s unity and paving the way for a modern constitutional monarchy. This pivotal moment in 2002 marked Bahrain’s transition into a nation with a democratically elected parliament—an embodiment of His Majesty’s vision for a more inclusive and empowered society.
Under this leadership, Bahrain has embarked on a journey of remarkable growth. Initiatives such as the launch of the Economic Vision 2030 and the #TeamBahrain movement have turned the Kingdom into a global hub for innovation, tourism, sports, and business. These strategies have diversified Bahrain’s economy and solidified its reputation as a destination for international investment and collaboration.
As Bahrain reflects on 25 years of His Majesty’s reign, the Kingdom celebrates a legacy of reform, stability, and progress that continues to shape a brighter future for its people. His Majesty’s vision for a prosperous and united Bahrain inspires the Kingdom as it celebrates its 53rd National Day and strides confidently into its next chapter.
For the first time, the Kingdom of Bahrain welcomed leaders of 22 Arab nations to the 33rd Arab League Summit, held at the Sakhir Palace. The conference, chaired by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa re-emphasised the importance of a joint Arab action in maintaining the security and stability of Arab states and the need for enhanced cooperation to meet the aspirations of all nationals.
The opening session featured Saudi Arabia passing on the Summit’s Presidency to Bahrain, along with speeches by Arab leaders and guests. The participating countries were Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
History was made at the 33rd Olympic Games in Paris as Team Bahrain achieved its best-ever performance, bringing home four medals—two gold, one silver, and one bronze. This remarkable feat positioned Bahrain as the top-ranked Arab nation and 33rd globally among 204 participating nations, including 22 from the Arab world.
The Kingdom’s impressive finish marks a significant leap from previous standings: 77th in Tokyo 2020, 48th in Rio 2016, and 50th in London 2012. Since debuting at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, Bahrain has now accumulated a total of eight Olympic medals—four golds, three silvers, and one bronze.
Winfred Yavi delivered a stunning performance in the Women’s 3,000m Steeplechase, securing Bahrain’s first gold medal with an Olympic record of 8:52.76. Salwa Eid Naser followed with a silver in the Women’s 400m, finishing with a personal season-best time of 48.53 seconds.
Weightlifter Gor Minasyan added to the Kingdom’s success with a bronze in the +102 kg category, while wrestler Ahmed Tazhudinov made history with Bahrain’s second gold medal, earning the Kingdom its first Olympic wrestling victory. His dominant performance against a Georgian opponent showcased his exceptional talent and marked a new chapter for Bahraini wrestling.
With their achievements, Team Bahrain not only made their nation proud but also inspired future generations, solidifying Bahrain’s growing presence on the global athletic stage. Paris 2024 will forever remain a golden chapter in Bahrain’s sporting legacy.
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) bestowed a prestigious honour upon His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, and Captain of the Royal Endurance Team. This recognition celebrates his remarkable achievements as the only Arab rider to secure such distinction in international endurance racing.
HH Shaikh Nasser’s accolades include back-to-back victories at the FEI Endurance World Championships. Most recently, In September 2024 in Monpazier, France, he completed an intense 160km course. This follows his 2022 victory in Bou Thib, UAE, further cementing his legacy in the sport.
The FEI acknowledged HH Shaikh Nasser’s invaluable contributions to the growth of endurance racing on a global scale. His dedication and leadership inspire the equestrian world, showcasing Bahrain’s prominence on the international stage.
To Infinity and Beyond
The Kingdom is set to make history with its first-ever lunar mission, thanks to a partnership between Bahrain’s National Space Science Agency (NSSA) and the UAE’s Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). Unveiled at the Bahrain International Airshow 2024, this mission is part of the Emirates Lunar Mission and a testament to the Arab world’s bold ambitions in space exploration.
At the heart of Bahrain’s contribution is a cutting-edge navigation camera system developed by NSSA engineers. These high-tech devices are designed to brave the Moon’s harsh conditions, guiding the rover as it maps the lunar surface, analyzes soil, and paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries. It’s Bahrain’s first physical imprint on the Moon, aligning with the global Artemis Accords and the Kingdom’s vision to become a leader in future sciences.
With this mission, Bahrain isn’t just exploring space—it’s inspiring a generation, proving that the sky is not the limit, and carving its place among the stars. Stay tuned, because Bahrain’s space story has just begun!
Bahraini space engineer Aysha Al Haram, Chief of the Satellite Design Department at the National Space Science Agency (NSSA), has etched her name in history by becoming the first Bahraini to win the International Astronautical Federation’s Young Space Leaders Award. The honour announced at the 75th International Astronautical Congress in Milan, Italy, celebrated her outstanding contributions to the global space sector.
This prestigious award, presented annually, recognizes young visionaries who excel in advancing space sciences, research, and innovation. For Aysha, the moment was unforgettable: “Raising the flag of Bahrain before over 11,000 participants is a profound honour. Being the first Arab to achieve this milestone fills me with pride. This moment marks a turning point in my life as I celebrate not only my journey but also Bahrain’s presence on the global space stage.”
The biggest events in Bahrain, showcasing the island’s vibrant culture, global connections, and thriving spirit.
Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2024
In early 2024, Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) buzzed with excitement as it celebrated 20 years of hosting the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Bahrain International Airshow 2024
The biennial Airshow featuring cutting-edge advancements in global aerospace, returned in November 2024. Celebrating the Kingdom’s 75 years of aviation excellence, this year’s airshow offered a new experience for visitors to the family area along with world-class flying displays.
Jewellery Arabia Bahrain 2024
From international showcases to homegrown spotlights, Jewellery Arabia 2024 brought a vibrant array of events and activities to the island this year.
Cityscape Bahrain 2024
The annual real-estate exhibition highlighted Bahrain’s vibrant landscape, emphasizing its diverse property offerings, world-class infrastructure, and attractive investment opportunities.
Bahrain Comic Con 2024
The island’s much-loved fan convention drew comic book lovers, cosplayers, and international stars to Bahrain Comic Con 2024 on the 26th and the 27th of April.
BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest 2024
The BNP Paribas Bahrain Jazz Fest returned for its 8th instalment, featuring the theme – Together in Jazz. The music festival celebrated the global diversity of jazz and its ability to bring cultures together.
