55,000 attend ‘Bahrain for all and all for Bahrain Festival’

Manama, Mar. 30 (BNA): "Bahrain for all, all for Bahrain Festival" was held today at the Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park in Hadd, in the presence of more than 55,000 Bahrainis and residents. More than 45 embassies, foreign communities, social clubs and community associations, civil society organisations, women's associations, special needs as well as 16 departments from the Ministry of the Interior took part in the festivals’ activities. The event, which was held under the theme of "Unity in Diversity", featured a series of performances by Bahraini and non-Bahraini folklore groups from Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Morocco, Palestine, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Jordan, Thailand, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ethiopia and others. The most prominent of these was the most common Bahraini Ardha Dance. The event is an embodiment of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa's keenness to consolidate the values of coexistence and brotherhood that characterise the Bahraini society and enhance the spirit of solidarity among its members. More than 250 booths were dedicated to the sale of Bahraini companies' products and productive families to display their products that attract the attention of so many attendees and embody the popular culture of the Bahraini people in the fields of clothing, food, baskets, pottery and others. Traditional dishes of the participating countries were also introduced. A special tent to showcase the products of the productive families was organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). It was characterised by its heritage, design and interior decoration. Kids were also given special attention at the event, as they enjoyed playing many of their favourite games and practised their hobbies in drawing and colouring, and interacted greatly with the technical presentations by the participating teams. A large number of Bahraini civil society associations and institutions took part in the festival, including the Bahrain Association of Disabled Persons and their friends, the Bahrain Society for Down Syndrome, the Bahrain Centre for International Mobility, Al Hedd Rehabilitation Center for Special Needs, Al Amal Institute for Special Education, Al Rahma for Youth Care, Friendship for the Blind, Raya Institute, Bahrain Children's Academy, Dar Al Muharraq for Parents' Care, Dar Al Muharraq for Parents Care, Yoko House for Parents Care, Um Al Hassam House for Parents Care, Discover Islam Society as well as a number of associations that are associated with foreign communities like and Indonesians Ladies Organization (WASCON). The organisers of the celebration said that Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, is living one of the most prosperous eras of openness, co-existence and tolerance, extending appreciation to His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for patronising the festival, and encouraging its work team to shed light on Bahrain’s multiple civilisational achievements in various fields. They stressed that all the efforts of the team emanate from HRH Premier’s wise visions and achievements as to the building and progress of the modern Bahrain, which they hope to keep the world informed of them. Taha Abdul Qader, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Bahrain, expressed his happiness for the participation of the Embassy and members of the Palestinian community in the event for the sixth time under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, affirming that the Kingdom of Bahrain and its leadership support many activities and achievements that promote rapprochement and mutual respect among the communities. He said that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under its leadership and good people, embodies the highest values of tolerance and mutual respect among all, generosity, affection and coexistence. He pointed out that the event is a good opportunity to get familiar with different cultures and heritage of other peoples and promote rapprochement between all. He wished the Kingdom’s leadership, government and people further progress and prosperity. Ambassador of Indonesia, Mr. NurSyahrir Rahardjo expressed his congratulations to the Kingdom of Bahrain and all the organisers for hosting “The Bahrain for All" festival, as well as his deepest gratitude to the organising committee of the event for facilitating the participation of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Manama, the Indonesian Ladies Association and the Indonesian community to promote one of Indonesia's cultural diversity through dance performances, crafts exhibitions and Indonesian foods specialties. He expressed hope that through this event, the audiences can be more familiar with other's culture, so that the existing relations between countries, communities, people and both countries could be strengthened and deepened further. Alfonso A. Ver, the Philippine Ambassador to Bahrain lauded the event, saying that on its third year, the “Bahrain for All” is getting bigger and better. He said that the event is a unique celebration of unity in diversity for all peoples in the Kingdom. “It is a shining symbol of inclusivity in Bahrain where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to realise his or her potential and aspirations in aspects of Bahrain society” said the Ambassador, adding that he was honoured that the Filipino community in Bahrain took an actively part in promoting an inclusive and dynamic society in the Kingdom which the Filipinos have lovingly called their second home.’ he said. Basma Saleh Issa, Board Member of Gulf Disabled Society, President of the Executive Office of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and head of Al Hadad Center for Rehabilitation of People with Special Needs, said that the Kingdom of Bahrain is characterised by cultural openness and cultural communication. She said Bahrain has always been known for its religious, sectarian and cultural diversity over the years, where all residents and citizens coexisted in peace, respect, cooperation and harmony under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the special support of HRH the Prime Minister and the encouragement of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, through the implementation of the Reform Project spearheaded by HM the King. She pointed out that the "Bahrain for all and all of Bahrain" annual event was embodiment of the reform project and reflects the reality of the Bahraini society in all its different cultures, sects and categories. "We are keen on the participation of people with disabilities and other relevant institutions in this annual celebration that brings us together with people from different walks of life and gives us the opportunity to express our love and loyalty to our country and our leadership’ she said She added that the event was an opportunity to showcase students' talent and creativity in various fields. “The event also contributed to raising awareness and raising the level of attention to people with disabilities, Ms. Basma Saleh said. A number of citizens who attended the ceremony expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to His Royal Highness the Prime Minister for his tireless efforts to achieve the aspirations of the citizens and the attention he gives to all that would enhance the atmosphere of coexistence and solidarity enjoyed by Bahrain, stressing that the celebration embodies what he is doing in terms of achieving cohesion among all who live on the land of Bahrain. In this context, Mr. Mohammed Zaki Mahjoub Bo Shehab, representative of the Bahrain-Sudanese Cultural and Friendship Society of Nawres in the Kingdom of Bahrain (under formation), stressed that they were keen to participate in this celebration because of its importance in achieving communication and rapprochement. "From the land of the Nile, we send greetings to Bahrain, and we are delighted that our culture and cultural heritage will converge." he said, adding that "Bahrain is a pearl that everyone looks forward to.”. Ahmed Mohieldin Ahmed, from the Egyptian community in Bahrain, expressed his thanks and gratitude to HM King Hamad, HRH Premier and HRH the Crown Prince for their great moral support to the Egyptian community and all residents in Bahrain. The Thai club in Bahrain for affirmed in a statement that it has for decades been actively involved with other communities in the events and celebrations held in Bahrain. “Thai Community in Bahrain actively joins hand in hand with other communities and the local in the events and activities for decades. The Thai Club and all the members of the Thai community in Bahrain have strong commitment to strengthening the community to be able to efficiently promote Thailand-Bahrain relationship as well as to contribute to the harmonious society as well as progress and development of Bahrain’ the statement said. The Shri Krishna Hindu Temple also noted in a statement Bahrain's long history of hospitality and tolerance for other religions. “The Kingdom of Bahrain has a long tradition of warm hospitality and tolerance towards other faiths. The multi-faith expatriate community taking part in the Kingdom’s development has always been granted religious freedom to follow their individual rites of worship, it said. “We extend our deep gratitude to HM the King, HRH Premier and HRH Crown Prince, as well as to the government and people of Bahrain, who have extended complete support to all our activities and allowed us to practice our faith freely,” the statement added.