Bahrain's National Day celebrations were inaugurated at Bab Al Bahrain yesterday (December 14) by Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, chief executive of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, and Capital Secretariat Board chairman Mohamed Ali Al Khuzai.

The event was held to celebrate the creation of modern Bahrain as an Arabic Muslim nation in the era of Ahmed Al Fateh in 1783, the 45th anniversary of Bahrain joining the United Nations and the 17th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne.

The event, organized by BETA and the Capital Secretariat, was attended by the chairman of the Old Souq Committee at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Khalid bin Rashid Al Zayani.

The celebrations will continue until today (December 15) from 4:30 PM – 9:30PM and has so far witnessed a large number of Bahraini residents and visitors who came to enjoy the exciting events and activities.

Visitors also got the opportunity to take part in the competitions and enjoyed the musical performances while browsing the old photo and recycling exhibitions. Additionally, families enjoyed the kids shows, the making of traditional handicrafts, as well as the presentation of the national works and won prizes.

Meanwhile, Al Salam Bank-Bahrain, one of the pioneering Shari’a-compliant banks in the kingdom, too hosted a ceremony at the Bank’s headquarter office in the Bahrain World Trade Center to mark the Bahrain's National Day.

Yousif Taqi, director and Group CEO of Al Salam Bank-Bahrain said: "We take this opportunity to extend our sincere wishes and congratulations to the people and leadership of Bahrain, praising the achievements of the economic, financial and industrial sectors under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister and the government." - TradeArabia News Service