Bahrain taking necessary security precautions

The Kingdom of Bahrain is proud to be hosting a round of the FIA Formula One World Championship and looks forward to welcoming the teams, drivers and spectators during the coming week prior to the event on April 2-4.

While the Kingdom has hosted international and high-profile events, notably those with world leaders, the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is truly global and high calibre in stature and as such is raising the awareness of the Kingdom and creating considerable interest. Accordingly, as it becomes the focus of the sporting world, it attracts media interest and the onus on the organisers is that of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those attending the event.

Speaking on matters relating to the security of the Grand Prix and the Kingdom as a whole, a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior said, "We recognise that the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is the largest sporting festival to have taken place in the Middle East and it is important to stress that all necessary security precautions have been taken. The Ministry of the Interior has been coordinating the national effort in providing the security for the race and has received the cooperation of all the relevant governmental agencies."

Speaking of the Ministry's relationship with the Bahrain International Circuit the spokesperson added, "We are in direct contact with the circuit on a daily basis and are working extremely closely with them to ensure stringent cover at all times."

He added, "The plan the Ministry has includes all aspects of security from low level vandalism to national disasters and international terrorism. The help of the National Guard and certain assets of the Bahrain Defence Force have been brought in to provide a comprehensive and robust national security plan."

The spokesperson finished by saying, "The Kingdom of Bahrain takes the issue of national security as a matter of paramount importance and visitors to the Kingdom should rest assured that their wellbeing is being cared for from the moment that they arrive on the island. Hosting the first Grand Prix in the Middle East is of special importance to the people of Bahrain. We want everyone who visits the Kingdom to enjoy their stay with us and to understand that the security plans will be as unobtrusive as possible."

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