Manama - Arab Today
East Riffa Club held a festival this evening on the Kingdom of Bahrain's celebrations of its National Days on December 16 and 17, marking the anniversary of the establishment of the modern state of Bahrain as an Arab and Muslim country in 1783 by its founder Ahmed Al-Fateh, the 42nd Anniversary of its accession to the UN as a full member and the 14th Anniversary of HM's Accession to the Throne. Theme "My beloved country", the ceremony was put under the auspices of Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Commander-in-Chief Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, who deputised Military Advisor Major-General Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa to attend. Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al-Khalifa and Eman Hani recited poems in the celebration which featured fireworks, folkloric Ardah, a trade fair, children's games and competitions. Military Advisor Major-General Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa presented the organising committees with commemorative gifts before touring the traditional suq. Present were Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al-Khalifa General Organisation for Youth and Sport (GOYS) Chief Hisham Mohmmed Al-Jowder, Bahrain Football Association Chairman Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al-Khalifa, MP Salman Al-Sheikh, Municipal Councilor Mohammed Mousa and other officials Source: BNA