National Day fever gripped Bahrain on Friday with government organisations, companies, clubs, schools and malls hosting several events to mark the occasion along with the 17th anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad’s Accession to the Throne.

The kingdom has declared a four-day weekend for the public sector to mark the grand occasion.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received cables of congratulations from leaders of Arab, Islamic and friendly countries on the anniversary of the establishment of the modern state of Bahrain as an Arab and Muslim country in 1783 by its founder Ahmed Al Fateh, the 45th Anniversary of its accession to the UN as a full member, and the 17th Anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa's Accession to the Throne, reported BNA.

The leaders all wished HM the King abundant health and happiness and the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people further development, progress and prosperity.

The celebrations also commemorate the 45th anniversary of Bahrain joining the United Nations.

National carrier Gulf Air, in collaboration with Bahrain Airport Company, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the managing body and operator of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), Gulf Aviation Academy (GAA), and all three Gulf Air unions, celebrated the National Day, Accession Day and Martyrs’ Day in a grand manner at the airline’s headquarters in Muharraq.

Employees from all three companies were joined by their executive management teams and participated in a series of activities including raffles, cutting a special National Day cake and the distribution of National Day themed giveaways.

In addition, Gulf Air celebrated National Day onboard its flights by offering special National Day meals, National Day cakes, and National Day programming on its inflight entertainment system.

The airline’s Falcon Gold Lounge in Bahrain International Airport also celebrated the occasion by offering its guests a special National Day cake.