HM King Hamad was welcomed by HM the King’s Personal Representative and Chairman of BIAS Supreme Organising Committee Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa.
After the National Anthem was played, HM King Hamad opened BIAS 2012 officially and then headed to the BDF Hall where the opening ceremony was held.
During the ceremony, Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) Undersecretary Captain Abdulrahman Al Goud delivered a statement in which he took pride in HM the King’s patronage of BIAS 2012, which, he asserted, has motivated its organizers to do their utmost in order to ensure the success of such an international show aiming to upgrade the kingdom’s position worldwide.
He also expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude for HM King Hamad and the government for their incessant support for BIAS which attracted a great number of delegations and specialized companies from brotherly and friendly countries.
Captain Al Goud also pointed out that Bahrain’s hosting of such a prestigious world event, followed by people all over the world, reflects the landmark development and progress marches witnessed by the kingdom during HM King Hamad’s prosperous era, asserting that Bahrain will remain a regional and global beacon of civilization and an oasis of security and stability thanks to the Bahraini people’s tolerance, love and fraternity.
He also thanked the national and foreign civil aviation partners, the Civil Defence and BDF for the tremendous efforts they have exerted to ensure the success of the event.
After that, heads of official delegations and representatives of participating aviation companies greeted HM King Hamad.
HM the King toured the flying display circuit and was informed on the participating military and civil aircrafts, as well as the latest and most advanced air navigation systems.
HM King Hamad also paid a visit to the aviation companies’ pavilions where he was briefed on their products. HM the King inaugurated the Royal Sakhir Air Base Hall.
Later, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa bid farewell to the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates and the Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoom after a short visit to the country where he attended the Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS 2012). A number of officials also attended.