Crown Prince: Retail sector plays key role in supporting wider economy

Manama, Feb. 7 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister today inaugurated the opening of a BDF initiative, the Wadi Al Sail Mall in Riffa, to mark the 48th anniversary of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). The Wadi Al Sail shopping complex encompasses 38,000sqm of retail space, high-end leisure and entertainment facilities, and over 46 shops.

During the inauguration ceremony, His Royal Highness noted that Bahrain’s retail sector continues to make a substantial contribution to the broader economy by creating jobs and attracting regional and international investments in the Kingdom.

His Royal Highness also noted that the expansion of commercial developments, such as the Wadi Al Sail mall, is testament to the continuous growth of Bahrain’s retail sector, and that the Kingdom’s highly skilled workforce and competitive business environment have played an important role in the expansion of the sector.

His Royal Highness went on to highlight that on the occasion of the BDF’s 48th anniversary, Bahrain is reminded of His Majesty King Hamad’s firm commitment to enhancing the role and capabilities of the BDF in recognition of the crucial part it plays in protecting the Kingdom’s security.

His Royal Highness then noted that the BDF has consistently demonstrated its commitment to collaborating with Arab partners and Western allies to protect the region’s stability and to promote prosperity. His Royal Highness highlighted that the BDF’s contributions to the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen demonstrates how this close collaboration has helped to protect the country’s sovereignty.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, son of the Crown Prince, also accompanied His Royal Highness to the inauguration ceremony.

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BNA 1754 GMT 2016/02/07