Manama, Dec. 10 (BNA): Marking the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Day and the Anniversary of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s Accession to the Throne, and the accompanying national occasions, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the new headquarters of Al Mabarrah Al Khalifia Foundation in Riffa. The ceremony was attended by members of the Royal Family, ministers, senior officials and invited guests.

Upon arrival, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah was received by Her Highness Shaikha Zain bint Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees at AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Southern Governor, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa.

The Deputy Prime Minister toured the headquarters and was briefed on the awards won by the building’s design. He also viewed the modern facilities and components it contains, which provide advanced capabilities and equipped spaces to support educational, training and social programmes.

He said that Bahrain’s continued progress in the charitable sector reflects the visions of His Majesty the King and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He highlighted that their leadership has established an advanced approach to supporting civil society initiatives and enhancing the role of charitable institutions as key partners in achieving sustainable national development.

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah noted that the growing number of charitable institutions in the Kingdom, including the Foundation, reflects a rising national awareness of the vital role community work plays in supporting the development ecosystem. It is the result of a culture of initiative and social responsibility deeply rooted in the people of Bahrain, followed by an evolution in administrative practices, which has enabled these organisations to develop more impactful programmes for the benefit of the nation and its citizens.

The Deputy Prime Minister also recalled the great support the foundation received since its establishment from the late His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, emphasising that the late HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman had a profound impact through the patronage and direct encouragement offered, which established the Foundation’s charitable approach, which is solidarity and social development.

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah said that over 14 years the foundation has become a model for developing community initiatives in social support and educational and economic empowerment, with rising beneficiaries each year.

The Deputy Prime Minister met trainers, members of the student council, and participants and graduates of the Rayaat, Ithra and Watheq programmes, which the foundation offers to youth to prepare them for university studies and provide scholarships. He expressed admiration for the high level of competence these programmes produce, noting that they form an integrated system based on the belief that investing in people is the starting point for all progress, and that their true impact is seen in generations who embody strong values, excellence, and the ability to turn ideas into entrepreneurial projects that serve the nation.

He was briefed on the humanitarian initiatives funded by the endowment of Her Highness Sheikha Moza Bint Hamad Al Khalifa, which provide community services in the health and education sectors.

Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah then launched a book which documents the foundation’s journey since its establishment and highlights the development of its programmes and initiatives, as well as success stories in family support, youth empowerment, and the implementation of social and development projects.

The Deputy Prime Minister commended the efforts of the Board of Trustees, chaired by HH Shaikha Zain bint Khalid, recognising its essential role in developing the foundation’s direction, enhancing partnerships and expanding its programmes in line with national aspirations. He wished the Board, the executive management, and all members of the foundation continued success.

On her part, HH Shaikha Zain bint Khalid expressed gratitude to His Majesty the King for the support the foundation receives, which has enabled it to fulfil its mission in serving the community.

HH Shaikha Zain bint Khalid also thanked HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for the constructive cooperation the foundation receives from various government bodies through His Royal Highness’ directives, which enhances its ability to implement its programmes and achieve its goals.

HH Shaikha Zain bint Khalid commended the efforts of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), in empowering and supporting Bahraini women. Her Highness said that through its youth-focused programmes, the foundation contributes to translating these visions into real initiatives that allow youth to participate effectively in national development, in line with the goals of the SCW.

HH Shaikha Zain bint Khalid expressed appreciation to the Deputy Prime Minister for inaugurating the new headquarters. Her Highness noted that his presence motivates the team to continue working with greater dedication and that his encouraging remarks have given them further momentum to achieve more accomplishments.

HH Shaikha Zain bint Khalid added that the opening of the new headquarters marks a key stage in the Foundation’s progress and reflects its commitment to continued investment in Bahraini youth as the cornerstone of future development. Her Highness emphasised that this new facility will enhance the working environment and enable the foundation’s team to continue implementing initiatives and projects with sustainable positive impact in cooperation with partners and supporters.

The new headquarters is located in the heart of Riffa on a plot of more than 2,700 square metres, with a built-up area of over 8,500 square metres. Designed according to the latest architectural standards, it consists of two main four-storey buildings connected by a suspended bridge. One building is fully dedicated to educational and development programmes and equipped with modern, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly systems. The other contains commercial units and offices to support future expansion of the foundation’s programmes and strengthen its operational sustainability.

A.S, Z.I