Manama: Under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), President of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), the Bahrain Sports Summit officially opened at Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB). The event was attended by His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Deputy Chairman of the GSA, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), senior officials, representatives of sports institutions and federations, and members of the media.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad stated that the summit is part of a comprehensive national vision to develop the sports sector and advance its role in sustainable development. His Highness acknowledged the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for the youth and sports sectors, emphasizing that this support has been instrumental in the Kingdom of Bahrain's continued regional and international sporting achievements.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad also underscored the ongoing support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the government, which has helped establish an integrated system through institutional planning and effective partnership. His Highness acknowledged the efforts of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the SCYS, in supporting athletes and motivating them to achieve success.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad highlighted that the Bahrain Sports Summit serves as a crucial platform for guiding the development of sport in the Kingdom, utilizing local and international expertise to formulate practical recommendations aligned with Bahrain's sporting landscape and contemporary professional standards. His Highness expressed hope that the summit's outcomes would address existing challenges and benefit from the participation of international experts and specialists.
On the sidelines of the summit, several strategic initiatives were launched, including a naming rights sponsorship project for Khalifa Sports City Hall under a partnership between the GSA and the National Bank of Bahrain. This agreement encompasses development and maintenance works to enhance sports infrastructure. Additionally, a project to install solar energy systems at sports facilities and clubs was announced in cooperation with Midal Solar, supporting environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad also received official recognition of Bahrain's designation as Capital of Arab Sports Culture 2026 from Ashraf Mahmoud, President of the Executive Committee of the Arab Federation for Sports Culture, and Faisal Ghassal, Director of the Youth and Sports Department at the Arab League.
The opening session featured senior figures including His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Mosaad Al Saud, Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, Dr. Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, and Stephanie Hallett, Ambassador of the United States of America to Bahrain. The session discussed the future of sport, its role in economic and social development, investment, international partnerships, and knowledge exchange.
The summit's first day concentrated on sports culture, sports media, sports investment, and the sports economy, addressing key challenges and opportunities in these areas.