BIC chairman welcomes world of motorsport

Manama : Arif Rahimi, chairman of the Bahrain International Circuit, has welcomed the first guests arriving for the Kingdom’s biggest weekend of motorsport in the year. He also issued a reminder of the major economic impact which the race has on the whole of Bahrain and the wider benefits which F1 offers to the Kingdom.

In a statement issued, said, “I offer a warm welcome to all our guests arriving for the highlight of our motorsport calendar, for an unprecedented weekend of on and off-track action. Following months of detailed planning and preparation, I am delighted to say that the Bahrain International Circuit, together with our partners across Government entities, are ready to host Bahrain’s biggest show and one of the highlights on the global sporting calendar.

“On behalf of the BIC, I also offer a warm welcome to our partners at Liberty Media, the new owners of Formula 1. We look forward to working with them over the long-term on initiatives which will help continue to grow this great sporting series.

“As teams, drivers and fans arrive in Bahrain, it reminds us of the importance of the race to the whole of the Kingdom. I am proud that we are able to host an event which offers such significant economic benefits to all parts of Bahrain, not just for our tourism efforts, but countless other associated industries. The direct benefit to our economy has been calculated at more than $1 billion over the last ten years and the race contributes over $100 million to the economy each and every year.

“Formula One offers Bahrain an opportunity to promote itself as a leisure and business destination through one of the most watched sporting events in the world, with a TV viewership of over 90 million according to some independent reports. As the second highest viewed race on the F1 calendar, this exposure is invaluable and benefits the long-term position of Bahrain as a destination of choice for tourism and business opportunities.

“As our event continues to grow, as will the associated economic benefits, both directly during the week of F1, but also for the rest of the year. Whilst it is pleasing to note that every year since 2014 we have broken our race day attendance record and total tourism into Bahrain has increased by 150% since the first race in 2004, our aim is to continue to grow those numbers, for the benefit of the whole Kingdom.

“We wish all those taking part a successful weekend of racing and hope that fans enjoy the very best of Bahraini hospitality.”