Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa attended the Bahrain First Festival 2026, organised by the Ministry of Education at Bahrain National Stadium.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was received by Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, along with a number of ministry officials. Students attending the festival, numbering around 30,000 from public and private schools, welcomed His Majesty.
The ceremony opened with the national anthem, followed by recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by student Khalid Abdulghani Humood from Al Muharraq Secondary Boys School.
The Minister of Education then delivered a speech in which he expressed appreciation for His Majesty’s patronage of the Bahrain First Festival 2026. He highlighted the support accorded to the education sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain and underscored the role of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in supporting the development of education and related development initiatives.
The minister noted that, as a result of this support, the Ministry of Education achieved first place globally for the first time in the Microsoft Showcase Schools programme in its 2025 cycle, which included participation from more than 60 countries. He also underscored the success of the Higher Education Council, marked by the University of Bahrain’s entry into the Times Higher Education World University Rankings (THE) for the first time since its establishment in 1986, making it the first national university to be included in the ranking.
Additionally, the minister highlighted a World Bank report issued in October 2025, which commended the role of the Mohammed Jaber Al Ansari Teachers College and the quality of its academic programmes aimed at preparing Bahraini teachers in line with leading international practices. The Ministry of Education also won the Arab Government Excellence Award in the category of best educational project.
At the conclusion of his speech, the Minister of Education reiterated the ministry’s commitment to advancing the education system and enhancing the quality of its outcomes.
Members of the ministry then presented a commemorative gift to His Majesty the King.
His Majesty the King then delivered a speech to teachers, parents and students, welcoming the return of the “Bahrain First” festival. His Majesty noted that the students’ participation embodies their spirit of loyalty and commitment to the Kingdom of Bahrain and emphasised that the nation deserves the utmost effort of all its people.
His Majesty the King congratulated those working in the education sector on its achievements, both institutional and individual, and urged continued dedication to support Bahrain’s development through knowledge and learning. His Majesty urged continuing to exert efforts to build on Bahrain’s rich heritage and its longstanding role as a hub of education and culture.
His Majesty the King added that Bahrain will soon mark the centenary of formal government education for girls and the establishment of the first girls’ school in 1928. His Majesty directed for adequate preparation for this national occasion to reflect its significance and in recognition of the role of women in education and societal development.
Furthermore, His Majesty the King thanked teachers for their contribution to human development, describing them as the true capital of nations seeking security, stability and prosperity. His Majesty also announced that the following Sunday would be a holiday for students and extended his best wishes to all.
The event also featured the Bahrain First operetta, produced and performed by the Ministry of Education, with the participation of around 4,000 male and female students. The operetta included several musical and artistic segments.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Majesty was bid farewell with the same warm reception accorded upon arrival.
Following His Majesty’s directive to prepare for the centenary commemoration of the start of formal government education for girls, the Minister of Education expressed appreciation for the royal directive, noting that the ministry would immediately begin necessary preparations for the celebration in recognition of Bahraini women and their educational contributions across generations.
