Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), affirmed that engaging the youth in discovering the Kingdom of Bahrain’s tourism attractions and natural assets is essential to nurturing a generation with a stronger connection to its national heritage, equipped to promote it and share its experiences with the community in contemporary and impactful ways.
She noted that the Hawar Islands, with their distinctive natural and ecological richness, offer an ideal setting for advancing this approach and strengthening young people’s role as partners in showcasing Bahrain’s tourism offering.
Minister Al Sairafi was speaking at the launch of “Hawar Through the Eyes of Youth”, an initiative organised by BTEA in cooperation with the Executive Office of the National Plan to Promote the Spirit of Belonging to the Nation and Reinforce the Values of Citizenship, “Bahrainouna”. The launch was attended by officials and representatives of relevant entities, alongside the first group of university students in Bahrain taking part in the initiative.
On the occasion, the Tourism Minister said: “The Hawar Islands are among the Kingdom of Bahrain’s outstanding natural and tourism assets, with a unique environment, diverse wildlife and the potential to offer distinctive and sustainable tourism experiences. Through this initiative, we seek to give the youth the opportunity to experience the islands first-hand, appreciate the value of this national heritage and the importance of preserving it, and share Hawar’s story within their universities and communities in ways that reflect their own perspectives and creativity.”
She noted that the initiative highlights the importance of connecting tourism, environmental awareness and national belonging. It also promotes a deeper understanding of sustainable tourism through an experience that combines exploring the destination with learning about its natural environment and ecosystems. The minister emphasised the importance of partnerships with universities and national institutions in broadening community participation in tourism initiatives and strengthening youth engagement.
For his part, Major-General Mohammed Bin Daina, General Supervisor of the Bahrainouna Executive Office, expressed his sincere appreciation for the support and attention extended to Bahrainouna’s initiatives and activities by General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Ministerial Follow-up Committee for the National Plan to Promote the Spirit of Belonging to the Nation and Reinforce the Values of Citizenship.
He highlighted the Interior Minister’s support for, and close follow-up on initiatives and partnerships that advance Bahrainouna’s objectives and translate them into tangible action and a stronger sense of belonging. He noted that these diverse activities demonstrate the continued relevance of the National Plan’s objectives, its responsiveness to changing circumstances, and its commitment to national principles and community engagement.
Major-General Mohammed Bin Daina explained that, through their participation in “Hawar Through the Eyes of Youth”, young Bahrainis are fulfilling their community roles and responsibilities by discovering the Kingdom’s tourism treasures and national heritage. He described Bahrain’s youth as a vibrant part of society, bringing hope and driving progress towards a brighter future. With their ideas and distinctive creative abilities, they are a common thread across Bahrainouna’s initiatives.
Furthermore, he commended the initiative’s objectives and noble values, which embody national belonging and a commitment to supporting Bahrain’s enduring values and principles.
The General Supervisor of the Executive Office also expressed his sincere thanks to the Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of BTEA for launching the initiative, which contributes to youth empowerment and broaden community participation in strengthening national belonging and promoting national values.
“Hawar Through the Eyes of Youth” engages groups of university students in visits and field experiences across the Hawar Islands, enabling them to explore the destination and learn about its natural environment, wildlife and tourism attractions. Participants are encouraged to document their experiences and create content that expresses their own perspectives on the destination and shares its stories with wider audiences.
The initiative forms part of the efforts exerted to strengthen the Hawar Islands’ standing as an integral part of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s natural and national heritage, showcase their potential for sustainable ecotourism, and build a community of young people who share their experiences and promote the Kingdom’s tourism attractions and natural assets in authentic and relatable ways.