Manama: Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Bahrain Inherited Traditional Sports Committee (Mawrooth) announced that the closing ceremony of the 8th Nasser bin Hamad Marine Heritage Sports Season will be held Saturday, November 29, in the area adjacent to the Bahrain National Museum.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the ceremony marks the end of a three-month competitive season featuring a range of events celebrating Bahrain's maritime heritage, including the Haddaq (fishing) contest, the Al Hayer (oyster extraction) contest, the famous traditional rowing races, and open-water swimming (the Heritage Swimmer) with broad participation from various age groups and heritage enthusiasts.
The event will feature a 3,000 metre traditional rowing race for the King's Cup, the highlight of the season, along with cultural and folk performances reflecting Bahrain's longstanding connection to the sea.
Khalifa bin Abdulla Al Qaoud, Chairman of Mawrooth, affirmed that the royal patronage provides essential support for preserving Bahrain's maritime traditions. He noted that the season represents a deep-rooted national identity and has drawn strong public engagement, underscoring the community's enduring bond with its maritime past.
The Chairman added that the activities serve as a cultural project aimed at keeping traditional memory alive and introducing younger generations to Bahrain's history and the seafaring lifestyle of their ancestors.
Al Qaoud highlighted that the success of the eighth edition comes as a result of the combined efforts of various entities and the support and follow-up of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), President of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), reinforcing Bahrain's role as a guardian of heritage and a cultural beacon in the region.
A large official and public turnout is expected for the annual event, which has become a national platform for showcasing Bahrain's maritime heritage and enhancing public appreciation of its historical significance.