Information Affairs Minister, Ali bin Mohammed Al-Romaihi, said that the Ministry of Information Affairs has cooperated with the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and coordinated with the relevant government sides to provide all the necessary technical and media services that support more than 500 media figures representing various local and international news agencies and media outlets in covering the Grand Prix Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix and its accompanying events.
The minister asserted that since the inception of F1 races in Bahrain, the kingdom has succeeded in projecting an honourable image on the outstanding technical and organisational ability of its youth and national competencies in hosting such a race which is considered an economic, media and sporting event whose viewers and followers exceed 100 million.
In an interview with the "Fil Malaab" TV programme, presented by Mariam Bu Kamel, Al-Romaihi stressed that the world coverage of the event is an opportunity to project the kingdom’s civilisational image, as well as its huge potentials and purely national competencies represented in the professional and skillful management of the Bahraini youth of the event, expressing thanks and precipitation to the distinguished elite of Bahraini youth in charge of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Regarding the accompanying events and the allocation of a special area for the public only in Bahrain Grand Prix, the minister that Bahrain’s F 1 race aims to involve all social segments in the sporting event and meet their needs, noting that the events held on the sidelines of this year’s race has met the satisfaction of a wide range of visitors.
He asserted that those responsible for BIC have proved their professionalism and accumulated experience in organising mega events, which, he said, reflects Bahrain’s distinction in hosting F 1 races.
He explained that holding events in BIC throughout the year has helped Bahraini youth to gain the needed experience in attracting and hosting events in a way that appeals to fans of all kinds of races.
On the role played by the local press in covering the F 1 race, Al-Romaihi said that the coverage of such an event is common responsibility that should be shouldered by all, lauding the distinguished coverage of Bahraini newspapers of this year’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
The minister affirmed that everyone tried to assume their roles in order to reflect the kingdom’s image and ability to host such a mega event, noting that foreign journalists and reporters have had an opportunity to collect first-hand information about Bahrain. He said that many guests have voiced their admiration for what they have seen in Bahrain, and lauded the professionalism of Bahraini youth and the dedication of volunteers in organising the race.
It is also an opportunity for social media specialists to attend the event and increase the number of their followers, he said.
Al-Romaihi also praised Bahrain TV’s outstanding coverage of this year’s Grand Prix, and ability to reach out to viewers through their reports from BIC or outside it, including the airport, commercial malls and accompanying events, noting that TV channels and news agencies have started cooperating with Bahrain TV in covering the competition. He expressed thanks and appreciation to all Bahrain TV staff in studios or at BIC for their efforts to provide a comprehensive coverage for viewers and project Bahrain’s real image which, many parties, tried to distort.
On the role of investment in hosting the F 1 races, the minister said that since the launch of the project, Bahrain has spared no effort to ensure its success, and is ready to cooperate with investors to ensure its continuous distinction.

Source: BNA