The UAE is joining the Kingdom of Bahrain in celebrating its 53rd National Day today, marked annually on December 16. The UAE is hosting various special events and performances to mark the day, including lighting up prominent landmarks with the Bahraini flag, alongside other celebratory displays to reflect the enduring brotherly ties and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations.
Notably, the two countries share historical relations spanning decades, characterized by mutual respect, shared values, and close fraternal ties between their leaders, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain.
UAE-Bahrain ties grow
On Bahrain National Day, the UAE is celebrating significant milestones in UAE-Bahrain relations including the establishment of the UAE-Bahrain Joint Higher Committee in 2000. Since then, the committee has strengthened collaboration between the two nations in political, military, economic, investment, and cultural fields, further supporting mutual regional objectives.
On the economic front, bilateral relations between the UAE and Bahrain continue to flourish. Non-oil trade between the two countries reached AED15.3 billion during the first half of 2024, a 26 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. The strong economic ties between the UAE and Bahrain, which include various agreements and memoranda of understanding, have been instrumental in driving substantial growth in bilateral trade.
Last year, the UAE contributed 10 percent of Bahrain’s foreign direct investment (FDI) stocks, taking third place. According to the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB), Bahrain secured a record $6.8 billion in FDI inflows in 2023.
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Celebrating Bahrain’s Independence
Bahrain’s independence is a significant milestone in the country’s history, marking the end of British rule in 1971. The country’s independence day is celebrated annually on December 16th, a day that symbolizes the nation’s sovereignty and self-governance. The celebration is a time for Bahrainis to reflect on their country’s journey, pay tribute to its leaders, and celebrate the unity and progress achieved since gaining independence.
UAE investments in Bahrain
The UAE also highlighted the partnership between the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Bahrain’s government on Bahrain’s National Day which stands as a testament to the strength of bilateral cooperation between the two nations and their commitment to sustainable development. Since 1974, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development has been playing a significant role in supporting Bahrain’s economic growth and social progress.
The Fund has substantially contributed to the development of infrastructure and sustainable development projects in Bahrain by financing 33 development projects worth up to AED23 billion. These projects covered key sectors such as housing, energy, transportation and health. Moreover, they helped meet financing needs and support the fiscal balance program for 2023 and 2024, thereby boosting the country’s economic growth.
Cultural collaboration is another cornerstone of UAE-Bahrain relations. The two nations share a rich heritage of arts and literature, which has fostered a shared cultural identity. Several cooperation agreements and protocols have been signed in recent years to preserve this heritage, including UAE-supported projects to restore historical buildings in Bahrain.
Strengthening bilateral cooperation
The celebration of Bahrain’s National Day is not only a significant event for the country but also an opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation with other countries. The UAE, in particular, has a strong bond with Bahrain, as evident in the commemoration of Bahrain’s 52nd National Day at Sharjah Airport. The event highlighted the robust relationship between the two countries, with airport staff welcoming Bahraini passengers and congratulating them on their national day. Such initiatives symbolize the strong bond between the two countries and demonstrate their commitment to fostering a spirit of cooperation and friendship.
