UAE President Extends Warm Wishes on National Day of Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain celebrates its National Day on December 16, marking its independence from British protectorate status in 1971. The UAE President extended heartfelt congratulations to Bahrain’s leadership and people on this most important day, joining other regional leaders. Bahrain’s National Day celebration represents a milestone in the nation’s experience and symbolizes the deep-rooted bonds between Gulf nations. The National Day is evidence of the country’s progress and achievements in the last five decades and highlights the strong diplomatic ties that continue to flourish between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Diplomatic Gesture Strengthens Gulf Unity

The UAE leadership showed strong diplomatic unity with Bahrain through warm congratulatory messages during the kingdom’s National Day. President Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan sent heartfelt wishes to King Hamad bin Isa. His message highlighted the lasting bonds between both nations.

Several UAE leaders shared their diplomatic goodwill:

• Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stressed the need to keep love and brotherhood alive between both nations
• Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan congratulated both King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa

Bahrain’s Ambassador to the UAE, Sheik Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, hosted a special reception in Abu Dhabi. Sheik Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, joined the celebration along with several diplomatic mission heads.

The Bahraini Ambassador highlighted the deep historical fraternal relations between both nations. These ties created a strong foundation for working together. This unity celebration supports the broader vision of Gulf cooperation and matches the GCC Charter’s principles.

Both nations continue to deepen their partnership through these diplomatic exchanges. Their relationship goes beyond official channels to cover cultural, economic, and social aspects. These celebrations help strengthen their shared vision of growth and progress.

Historic UAE-Bahrain Partnership

The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain share a relationship that’s the life-blood of Gulf cooperation. Their partnership reflects decades of mutual support and shared vision. Since 1974, this strategic collaboration has grown into a detailed framework that supports Bahrain’s economic vision and development goals.

The Joint Higher Committee’s creation in 2000 became the most important step to boost cooperation between both nations. Their partnership has shown remarkable results. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has invested Dhs23bn in 33 major projects that span housing, health, energy, and transport sectors.

Trade between these nations has reached new heights. This is a big deal as it means that UAE-Bahrain trade exchange topped AED 22.03 billion in 2022. The UAE has become Bahrain’s second-largest trading partner with impressive numbers:

• Imports worth BD 57 million
• Exports of national origin valued at BD 38 million
• Re-exports reaching BD 24 million

The partnership extends beyond economics into cultural preservation. Both nations collaborated to restore the Nuzul Al Salam heritage house in Muharraq city. Young talents from both countries worked together on this project. Their efforts show a deep commitment to preserving their rich cultural heritage while encouraging knowledge exchange among youth.

New initiatives aligned with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 continue to strengthen this partnership. Together they’ve created a model for green development in the region. Their steadfast dedication to advancing shared interests contributes to regional stability and prosperity.

Future of Regional Cooperation

Bilateral cooperation between the UAE and Bahrain has moved into a new phase of development that focuses on economic and diplomatic initiatives. The economic partnership between these nations is strong, as shown by non-oil trade that reached AED 27.54 billion in 2023.

The Joint Ministerial Committee has created several groundbreaking agreements to deepen their commitment to working together. They signed key memoranda of understanding that include:

• Civil aviation cooperation between respective authorities
• Tourism cooperation program between ministries
• Government training and development initiatives
• Financial and economic cooperation frameworks
• Programs to boost competitiveness

Both nations are leading Gulf sustainability through innovative projects in renewable energy and water conservation. Their partnership now includes critical initiatives in climate action and environmental protection. ADFD continues its development initiatives that match Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

This mutually beneficial alliance focuses on boosting private sector growth and competitiveness. The core team from both nations met to apply strategies that promote synergies between the UAE’s National In-Country Value Program and Bahrain’s Value Program in Industry. This shared work makes supply chains in both nations more resilient and sustainable, which marks a major step forward in strengthening industrial integration.

This partnership goes beyond traditional sectors to cover artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Both nations work together to reduce import dependence and drive self-sufficiency. This cooperation ended up contributing to long-term economic growth and regional prosperity.

UAE and Bahrain showcase a remarkable story of regional cooperation that spans decades of mutual trust and shared dreams. Their partnership has achieved impressive results in diplomatic, economic, and cultural areas. Bilateral trade soared to AED 22.03 billion in 2022 as they expanded into new collaborative ventures. The Joint Ministerial Committee has created mutually beneficial alliances that strengthen connections in civil aviation and emerging technologies.

These nations have deepened their bond through groundbreaking projects in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and industrial development. The UAE shows its steadfast dedication to Bahrain’s progress through the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, which has invested Dhs23bn in 33 major projects. This lasting partnership between UAE and Bahrain serves as the life-blood of regional stability and prosperity that charts the course for continued growth in the Gulf region.