THE ROYAL BAHRAIN CONCOURS IS LAUNCHING WITH THE AMBITION TO BECOME THE NUMBER ONE CONCOURS IN THE GCC AND THE MIDDLE EAST. WHAT ELEMENTS WILL DIFFERENTIATE IT FROM OTHER WORLD-CLASS MOTORING EVENTS AND MAKE IT A MUST-ATTEND FOR GLOBAL COLLECTORS AND ENTHUSIASTS?
The timing of the event in November is ideal, as it falls during a quiet period in the global motoring calendar. This makes it appealing for owners to bring their cars to enjoy both the event and the winter sun in Bahrain. What sets it apart is the GCC car market itself. While traditional Concours focus on pre-1940s and classic 1950s and 1960s cars, the Royal Bahrain Concours highlights more modern vehicles, reflecting regional tastes. For example, the 1972 Lamborghini Miura, once owned by the ex-Shah of Iran, won at the first event. We also feature unique classes, such as 4x4s and modified cars, which are very popular locally. Looking ahead, we plan to introduce categories for younger audiences and even Falcon vehicles. The event also aims to unite collectors from across the GCC. Owners from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar attended this year, and we want to grow this participation to celebrate the GCC as a whole, not just Bahrain.
BAHRAIN IS ALREADY A WELL- ESTABLISHED DESTINATION FOR MAJOR EVENTS LIKE THE FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX. WHY WAS BAHRAIN CHOSEN AS THE HOME FOR THIS CONCOURS, AND HOW DOES THE KINGDOM’S UNIQUE BLEND OF HERITAGE AND MODERN LUXURY CONTRIBUTE?
Bahrain offers a compact venue where attendees can concentrate in one place for three days. Unlike some larger cities where people scatter to various attractions, Bahrain allows collectors to
truly connect, enjoy the cars, and build friendships. The Kingdom culture is welcoming, and its people are incredibly friendly. We’re fortunate to have His Royal Highness as a patron. His knowledge and passion for cars are extraordinary, and his presence adds significant value for international guests. It’s not just about funding the event; it’s about fostering genuine enthusiasm and passion.
BEYOND THE STUNNING CARS, HOW WILL THE ROYAL BAHRAIN CONCOURS CREATE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND SHARED APPRECIATION FOR AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE?
We want the event to be a highlight of the year. Beyond the cars, we aim to create a true luxury lifestyle experience. This includes showcasing regional luxury products, such as perfumery, yachts, and fashion. It’s about curating an event that appeals to owners and visitors alike. Next year, for example, we plan to introduce a ladies’ day and a prestige day to make the event more inclusive and encourage couples to attend. The focus is on building community through shared passion, not just displaying cars.
WHAT LEGACY DO YOU HOPE THE ROYAL BAHRAIN CONCOURS WILL BUILD FOR BAHRAIN, IN TERMS OF CULTURAL PRESTIGE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT?
Many international attendees had never visited Bahrain before. They fell in love with the country, and we hope they will share their experience worldwide. Beyond attracting affluent visitors, the event encourages GCC residents to visit Bahrain en masse with their cars, boosting tourism and the local economy. It’s about giving people an authentic reason to spend a weekend enjoying car culture here.
EACH VEHICLE TELLS A STORY OF ARTISTRY AND ENGINEERING. CAN YOU SHARE AN EXAMPLE OF A CAR WITH A PARTICULARLY POWERFUL NARRATIVE?
One standout is the 1955 Lincoln showcased at the Geneva Motor Show. It was so beautiful and well-crafted that Henry Ford reportedly bought it from the motorship to take it home. Although it never went into production, it remains a work of art. Events like ours celebrate cars as art, metal sculptures that evoke emotion and admiration.
THE ROYAL BAHRAIN CONCOURS POSITIONS ITSELF ALONGSIDE LEGENDARY EVENTS LIKE PEBBLE BEACH AND VILLA D’ESTE. WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THESE ESTABLISHED CONCOURS, AND WHAT WILL BAHRAIN DO UNIQUELY?
From experience, the key is understanding what visitors want, not just what organizers want. Bahrain’s event focuses on modern elegance and luxury, appealing to GCC collectors. Attendees treat the cars with respect, appreciating them as art rather than exhibits at a motor show. The level of refinement and engagement from our audience is unique for the region.
WHAT IS YOUR LONG-TERM VISION FOR THE GROWTH AND EVOLUTION OF THE ROYAL BAHRAIN CONCOURS, AND HOW WILL YOU ENSURE IT CONTINUES TO INNOVATE?
We aim to continually elevate the event’s luxury and appeal, expanding vehicle classes and attracting international media recognition. Our ambition is to place the Royal Bahrain Concours among the top global Concours. The event will evolve with new luxury products, interactive experiences, and media initiatives such as Royal Bahrain Concours TV. We also plan to develop complementary activities across Bahrain, enhancing the overall experience. The goal is to create a prestigious regional hub for motoring excellence, setting the standard for the Middle East for decades to come.
