Doha, December 15 (QNA) - The Kingdom of Bahrain celebrates the 53rd anniversary of its National Day on December 16 as an occasion that reflects pride, belonging and national unity among the Bahraini people.

A number of important facilities and installations in various governorates of the Kingdom of Bahrain will be decorated with the colors of the Kingdoms flag, amidst great celebrations experienced by the Bahraini people.

The National Day of Bahrain reflects the progress it has achieved in various fields.

It is one of the most developed countries in the region, has a strong economy, promotes innovation and economic diversity, and also seeks to promote education, culture, sports and the arts.

During the last several decades, Bahrain witnessed huge achievements that marked a prosperous phase in the country's future under the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

It has also witnessed an economic, educational, health and developmental renaissance, and an advanced infrastructure, in addition to the leaderships interest in the financial, banking and technological sectors in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which supports the country's economy and enhances its position as a distinguished commercial, financial and tourism center in the Gulf region.

Bahrain's National Day represents an opportunity to celebrate the country's great achievements. It is also an occasion to renew the determination to continue and protect its gains.

Bahrain is proceeding according to well-studied strategic plans that extend into the long-term future through the launch of its Economic Vision 2030, which outlines a comprehensive plan for the development process in the Kingdom and aims to establish a clear approach to developing the economy with a focus on the main goal of improving the living standards of all Bahraini citizens.

Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 is based on three principles. First is sustainability, as the vision relies on government funding policy to achieve this principle on which future aspirations are based.

The Kingdom will use its resources in the future to develop human capital, education and training, especially in the fields of applied sciences, and encourage leadership and innovation to achieve sustainability and establish the foundations of a thriving private sector.

The second includes competitiveness that aims to reach high levels on the global level, and increase productivity in a natural and steady manner in a competitive climate that drives the wheel of economic development, doubles profits, and raises wage levels.

The third pillar is justice, where the public and private sectors are committed to transparency and providing an atmosphere of free and fair competition in all transactions.

The Kingdom of Bahrain considers foreign investment a fundamental element of its Economic Vision 2030. According to economic reports, the Kingdom of Bahrain ranked fourth globally out of 135 countries in the report that evaluates the main areas of Islamic finance (Islamic Finance Development Report 2021 issued by Refinitiv).

Bahrain was also ranked among the top 10 countries regionally in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2021 issued by INSEAD.

It climbed 12 places to rank 15th globally among 84 economies in the Greenfield FDI Performance Index 2021 issued by the Financial Times. 

In April 2023, Bahrain announced the launch of the Golden License for investments and projects, based on the decision of the Council of Ministers headed by HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

This will enhance the investment environment in the Kingdom, open up more new partnerships, create promising opportunities for Bahraini citizens, and contribute to supporting efforts to implement the priorities of the economic recovery plan and push economic development paths in its various sectors towards advanced levels by providing advantages and facilities for investment and strategic projects.

These advantages will benefit companies and institutions that will create more than 500 local jobs, which will contribute to creating promising job opportunities for the Bahraini people, or whose investment value exceeds USD 50 million in the first years of their operation in the Kingdom, and contribute to strengthening development paths at the local level.

On National Day, the Kingdom of Bahrain is decorated with the red and white colors of the flag, and buildings and streets are adorned with national decorations, while the Kingdom’s institutions and squares celebrate this occasion by organizing many events and celebrations that reflect Bahraini culture and heritage, including recreational activities and popular shows that enhance awareness of Bahraini history and identity.

A number of cultural programs and musical performances are also held, in addition to cultural exhibitions, lectures, workshops for children, and other distinctive events.

In November, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority announced the events of the Bahrain holiday season 2024, which this year will be full of various events and entertainment activities throughout the month of December.

The Heritage Village Festival, Muharraq Nights Festival, and Manama Nights will all feature the distinctive character of Bahraini identity, and will conclude with a special fireworks celebration in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Bahrain are linked by distinguished fraternal relations, which were recently embodied in the participation of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani with his brothers Their Majesties, Excellencies and Highnesses, leaders and heads of delegations of sister Arab countries, in the opening session of the 33rd regular session of the Arab League Council at the summit level, which was held in Manama on May 16, 2024.

On Nov. 17, 2023, HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa received HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani at Al-Qudaibiya Palace.

During the meeting, the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway project was discussed, and the relevant authorities in the two countries were directed to complete the plans and begin implementing the project. (QNA)