Following its support of the inaugural Royal Bahrain Concours, Gulf Air will return as a sponsor for 2026 with an enhanced partnership, reflecting its confidence in the event’s long-term potential and its commitment to supporting Bahrain’s growing reputation as a destination for world-class cultural, luxury and automotive experiences.

Taking place at the Royal Golf Club in Riffa on Friday 6 – Saturday 7 November 2026, the Royal Bahrain Concours will once again bring together a carefully curated collection of exceptional cars, collectors, enthusiasts, luxury partners and international guests.

The renewed support from Gulf Air follows a highly successful first edition, which welcomed 60 collector cars and more than 200 members’ cars from leading car clubs across the GCC. With strong regional engagement and growing international attention, the Royal Bahrain Concours is quickly establishing itself as one of the most important new additions to the global concours calendar.

As Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air plays a key role in connecting the Kingdom with the wider world. Its continued partnership with the Royal Bahrain Concours underlines the shared ambition to showcase Bahrain as a destination of distinction, hospitality and premium experiences.

Founded in 1950, Gulf Air is one of the Middle East’s longest-established commercial airlines. Operating from its hub at Bahrain International Airport, the airline connects Bahrain with destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, North America, the Indian sub-continent and the Far East.

Through its renewed and expanded support, Gulf Air will help welcome guests, collectors and international visitors to Bahrain for the 2026 Royal Bahrain Concours, reinforcing the event’s position as a celebration not only of automotive excellence, but also of the Kingdom’s culture, hospitality and global outlook.

“We are delighted that Gulf Air has renewed its partnership with the Royal Bahrain Concours for 2026, and that it will be supporting the event in an even greater capacity this year,” James Brooks-Ward, Chairman of the Royal Bahrain Concours, said.

“Gulf Air was part of the story from the beginning, supporting the inaugural edition and helping us introduce the Royal Bahrain Concours to collectors, enthusiasts and guests from across the region and beyond. Its decision to strengthen that involvement for 2026 is a huge vote of confidence in what we are building.

“As Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air is a natural partner for an event that is designed to bring the world’s finest cars, leading collectors and luxury brands to the Kingdom. Together, we share a commitment to presenting Bahrain at its very best: welcoming, ambitious, internationally connected and capable of hosting truly world-class experiences.”

“After the success of the inaugural Royal Bahrain Concours, we are very pleased to renew and enhance our partnership with the event for 2026,” Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Air, added.

“The first edition demonstrated the strength of Bahrain’s luxury and automotive community, while also attracting attention from collectors, enthusiasts and visitors from across the region and worldwide. We have full confidence in the continued growth of the Royal Bahrain Concours and are proud to play a greater role in supporting this year’s event.

“As the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Gulf Air is committed to supporting initiatives that promote the Kingdom as a distinctive international destination. The Royal Bahrain Concours is a strong example of that ambition, combining automotive excellence, hospitality and culture in a setting that reflects the best of Bahrain.”

Organised by Thorough Events in collaboration with the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, the Royal Bahrain Concours has quickly established itself as a major addition to the region’s luxury events calendar and an important new fixture within the international concours world.

This came during a coordination meeting held by Muharraq Governor, Salman bin Isa Bin Hindi Al Mannai, in the presence of Deputy Governor, Brigadier Jassim bin Mohammed Al Ghatam, Director-General of the Governorate Police Directorate, Brigadier Sultan bin Ahmed Al Kaabi, along with representatives of the General Directorate of Traffic, the General Directorate of Civil Defence, Muharraq Municipality, the Jaffari Endowments Directorate, and the Electricity and Water Authority.

During the meeting, those in charge of Maatams and processions expressed their deep appreciation to His Excellency Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, valuing his instructions to security authorities to provide the highest levels of support and organisation and to utilise all capabilities to preserve the security and safety of participants and ensure the success of the Ashoora season.

For his part, the Muharraq Governor affirmed that the governorate has always embodied the finest model of coexistence and national cohesion under the wise leadership. He praised the spirit of cooperation and coordination among the relevant authorities and the heads of Maatams and processions, which contributed to providing an organised, healthy and safe environment for all.

He affirmed that Bahraini sports’ continued successes reflect the comprehensive national vision and the unlimited support extended to the sports movement in the Kingdom.

He also expressed sincere congratulations and appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports First Deputy Chairman, General Sports Authority Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President.

He praised their pioneering efforts, which have helped consolidate the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as an advanced sports destination with an active presence at various regional and international events.

He highlighted the supportive role of His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister’s Court, in empowering national competencies and Bahraini youth, and in supporting initiatives that contribute to building generations capable of continuing national achievements across various sectors, including the sports sector, as well as his unlimited support for tennis.

He also extended sincere congratulations to His Excellency Interior Minister, General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, affirming that the honourable results were achieved thanks to his continuous support and great interest in sports programmes and national cadres, as well as his keenness to provide the right environment for excellence, creativity and achievements.

This came on the occasion of the Interior Ministry tennis team winning nine awards and advanced positions in the 6th Arab Veterans Tennis Championship, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from 7 to 12 June 2026, with the participation of more than 56 male and female players representing 11 Arab countries, amid high technical levels and strong competition among elite tennis players in the Arab world.

He affirmed that these outstanding results reflect the efforts of the Interior Ministry Tennis Standing Committee to develop the sport and refine national talent through specialised preparation and training programmes aimed at improving players’ technical levels and enhancing their ability to compete and achieve honourable results in the name of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The team won four first-place titles, with Captain Ibrahim Sami winning the men’s singles title, while Major Reem Al Hashemi won the women’s singles title. The duo of Lieutenant-Colonel Fatima Al Zubi and Major Reem Al Hashemi also won first place in the women’s doubles, while Captain Ibrahim Sami and Major Reem Al Hashemi won first place in the mixed doubles.

The team also added two runner-up positions to its record, with Lieutenant-Colonel Fatima Al Zubi finishing second in the women’s singles and second in the mixed doubles. Major Mohammed Janahi won third place in the men’s singles, while the duo of Major Mohammed Janahi and Captain Ibrahim Sami finished third in the men’s doubles.

Major Reem Al Hashemi concluded her exceptional participation by winning the Best Female Player award in the championship, following her outstanding performance throughout the competitions, confirming her merit as one of the championship’s most prominent and influential players.

He said that this achievement is a new addition to the Interior Ministry’s sports record and reflects the advanced position reached by Bahraini tennis at the Arab level.

He affirmed that the Interior Ministry Tennis Standing Committee will continue to implement its development plans and programmes aimed at preparing generations of players capable of competing honourably and representing the Kingdom in the best way at various sporting events.

He concluded by affirming that the achievement at the Arab Veterans Championship is a motivation to continue working and build on these outstanding results, contributing to strengthening the Kingdom of Bahrain’s presence on the Arab and international tennis map and consolidating its position as a leading country in supporting sports and achieving success.

He also valued the efforts of His Excellency Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa in translating the royal vision into practical measures and ensuring that the Ashoora season is marked smoothly and in an organised manner.

This came as the Governor received heads and officials of Community Centres (Maatams) of the Northern Governorate, in the presence of the Deputy Governor Brigadier Abdulla Ali Rashid Mantar, representatives of security directorates at the Interior Ministry, and concerned service authorities.

The Governor highlighted the importance of preserving religious values embodied by the occasion and keeping it away from any misuse that could divert it from its authentic essence. He stressed the directives of HH Interior Minister during his annual meeting with heads and officials of Maatams, which reflected the highest levels of concern and national responsibility towards observing the Ashoora season in a way that promotes security, order and community cooperation.

The Governor expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to all security and service authorities for their cooperation, sincere efforts and continuous work to ensure that the rituals are held in an atmosphere of security, order and reassurance. He also praised the cooperation shown by Ma’atam administrations during the previous season and past years, as well as their cooperation and high sense of responsibility, which greatly contributed to the success of the Ashoora season and presenting it in a distinguished manner befitting the occasion.

Representatives of security and service authorities affirmed their readiness to coordinate with all concerned parties to ensure the success of the season. Heads of Ma’atams expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Northern Governorate, affirming their keenness to continue cooperation with all relevant authorities to ensure the success of the Ashoora season and the holding of its events in a safe atmosphere.

The programme was organised by NPRA in cooperation with SITA Company from 8 to 11 June 2026, in the presence of Assistant Undersecretary for Ports, Search and Follow-up, Brigadier Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Al Doseri.

The NPRA Undersecretary affirmed that the programme is part of a series of training programmes aimed at developing the skills of Interior Ministry personnel and enhancing their readiness to handle modern systems in the fields of border security, passenger data analysis, and early detection of risk indicators.

He noted that the programme is part of an integrated plan to develop work systems and enhance digital transformation at ports, in preparation for the Operations Centre at Bahrain International Airport to begin operations.

He explained that the system will rely on artificial intelligence technologies to analyse data and proactively detect risk indicators, thereby improving the accuracy of procedures, speeding up their completion, and enhancing the smooth flow of passengers.

The NPRA Undersecretary affirmed NPRA’s keenness to continue qualifying national cadres and adopting modern technical solutions to support border security, develop a seamless travel experience, and strengthen the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position in smart travel systems.