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TENS of thousands of people came out for the first of a string of events being held to mark Bahrain National Day.
‘Thank You Bahrain’, organised by the Bahrain Federation of Expatriate Associations (BFEA), was held from 2pm until 11pm at the National Stadium car park, Riffa.
The event was held under the patronage of Supreme Council for Youth and Sport chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Shaikh Nasser delivered a statement in which he expressed sincere congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad, who spearheaded the kingdom’s development march and earned it landmark progress in various fields.
He conveyed to the expatriate communities the King’s greetings and pride in the key role they have played in the kingdom’s progress.
He pointed out that the kingdom provides all facilities to expatriates to avail of their expertise and enable them to contribute to its development march.
"There has been such a buzz all over the island about this wonderful event and it has been fantastic to see.
“Not only are we raising money for a new shelter to help expats in need but we have brought together the expat community and the Bahraini community,” said BFEA secretary general and organising committee president Betsy Mathieson.
“I want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported this event, including Nass Scaffolding who created a wonderful open air theatre which can house 3,500 people.”
Embassies, consulates, churches, clubs, schools, societies and universities all had stalls at the event and there was a special suq where local entrepreneurs showcased their products.
There was also a soft play area for children and a stage area, where Pakistani singer Humaira Arshad performed. The Mohammed Bin Faris band also performed.
Schoolchildren performed their tributes to Bahrain with song and dance routines.
A grand raffle with a variety of prizes, including a Mitsubishi car donated by Zayani Motors, was held.
The money raised from ‘Thank You Bahrain’ will be used to fund the launch of the BFEA shelter, a special residential sanctuary with legal, medical and emotional support for expatriates in need.
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