A look back at the year that was

Highlights of 2 22

January

Bahrain tops the global COVID recovery index published by NIKKEI Asia for the first time since the launch of the report. As on December 2021, Bahrain’s recovery rate was at 82%. The Kingdom’s rapid and successful COVID response was later hailed by the World Health Organization.

February

Bahrain introduces Golden Visa for expatriates as part of its Economic Recovery Plans.

Bahrain’s COVID-19 vaccination record was praised by Gulf Health Council.

Bahrain hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix race 2022 at the Bahrain International Circuit where Ferrari marked a historic moment - completing the race in the first and second positions.

The NFT MENA Exhibit, the first-of-its-kind exhibition to promote NFTs, web3 and new media is hosted in Bahrain.

March

BTEA’s Manama Gold Festival kicks off at Souk Al Manama.

Bahrain Food Festival kicks off with more than 100 food vendors and live entertainment attracting a record number of visitors since COVID-19.

april

The 48th Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition is hosted by Bahrain Authorities for Culture and Antiquities, promoting local and international artists, traditional art forms, and galleries. GCC Games kick off in Kuwait. Bahrain’s athletes and teams won nearly 60 medals at the tournament, bagging second place for the Kingdom at the games.

may

Bahrain Beach Festival begins at Bilaj Al Jazayer, Water Garden City Beach, and Marassi Beach.

Bahrain’s COVID response gets documented in a World Health Organization case study.

july

November

Pope Francis visits Bahrain on a 4-day Apostolic Journey to attend a forum for dialogue between East and West for human coexistence.

Gulf Insider hosts The Bahrain Education Awards 2022 to recognize educational innovation and excellence across schools and universities in the Kingdom.

Bahrain International Airshow begins after a two-year break, attracting hundreds of visitors and commercial establishments for three days of flying displays.

General elections were held in Bahrain to elect the 40 members of the Council of Representatives.

Bahrain Film Festival begins.

October

Bahrain International Circuit becomes the world’s first international racing circuit to accept crypto payments.

Bahrain Comic-Con kicks off.

ST

BAHRAIN NATIONAL DAY

September

Bahrain bans single-use plastic.

Bahrain celebrates Saudi Arabia’s 92nd National Day

August

Bahrain announces visa-free entry to GCC Nationals.

Bahrain announces the launch of a 100% Bahrainibuilt Satellite Project to be ready by the end of 2023. Bahrain celebrates its 51st National Day.

December