Bahrain: Thousands of people from all nationalities and walks of life turned up to celebrate Bahrain’s National Day and His Majesty King Hamad’s accession to the throne yesterday at a “This is Bahrain” event.

After touring a number of foreign capitals around the world to showcase Bahrain’s cultural diversity, the ‘This is Bahrain’ roadshow has taken place in-country for the first time – featuring more than 150 stands representing embassies, ministries, schools, clubs, associations, societies and religious organisations.

His Majesty’s personal representative for charity work and youth affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sport chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa was the chief guest at the roadshow, held under the patronage of the King.

Organised by the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA), the event took place at the National Stadium Car Park in Riffa, which was illuminated with laser lights and dressed up in decorations for an upbeat atmosphere.

Visitors enjoyed a traditional Bahraini suq with free food, soft drinks and a raffle, while the children had their own entertainment in the form of bouncy castles, train rides, face painting and henna designs.

“What we have here is a true representation of Bahrain,” BFEA secretary-general Betsy Mathieson told the GDN.

“Everyone here is so precious to us and deserves to be thanked and appreciated.

“The event is very special this time because it is held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, a thing that shows his love and affection for all the people of Bahrain.

“It is also a great chance to say thank you to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa (Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier), as well as Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty, who does a wonderful job to support women in Bahrain.”

Because it was being held in Bahrain this time, the event could feature a wider variety of local organisations and talents, Ms Mathieson said.

“When we travel the world we would like to take everyone with us but this of course is difficult to do,” she said.

“The main event is to celebrate the National Day and the King’s accession to the throne, but being in Bahrain this time also means we are showcasing more of Bahrain with more organisations taking part.”

Ms Mathieson added that it was all made possible thanks to the generosity of various companies and organisations who had come forward and donated to show their love for the country.

“Everything at the event from the stage to the various activities was sponsored by those who really wanted to make the event possible,” she said.

“Bahrain has done a lot for its people and this is one way to show that they can give back to their country.”

Speaking at the event, Paris Grand Mosque Imam Hassan Shalghumi described Bahrain as a glimmer of hope for peaceful co-existence between religions and diverse faiths.

He said the chasm between religions widened in the aftermath of the deadly attacks in Paris, hailing Bahrain as a living model of tolerance, and peaceful co-existence between religions.

He commended the efforts led by “This is Bahrain” campaign to show the world the kingdom’s experience which provides a glimmer of hope to combat the scourge of terror which is spreading its tentacles all over the world.

He said in the aftermath of the Paris attacks many experts started saying that peaceful co-existence between religions is a chimera, but Bahrain has succeeded in achieving this equation.

Director of the Conference of European Rabbis Rabbi Levin, who serves as a close adviser to the chief rabbi of France and also is rabbi of the French National Gendarmerie, also praised Bahrain’s openness to other religions in the world.

Vice-president of Dhammakaya Buddhist society of Europe and Middle East Phrakrubhavanabuddhidham (Veera Virandharo) and Daniel Haroon Cohen also addressed the event.

The roadshow has so far toured the UK, Germany, Belgium, France and the US in the last 19 months and organisers are planning to travel to Rome and Brazil next.

shahlaa@gdn.com.bh