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Formula One puts Bahrain on World's sporting map -- ambassador

Kuwait's ambassador to Bahrain and dean of the diplomatic corps. Sheikh Azzam Mubarak Al-Sabah
Kuwait's ambassador to Bahrain and dean of the diplomatic corps. Sheikh Azzam Mubarak Al-Sabah
MANAMA, April 18 (KUNA) -- The Formula One car race sporting event has brought great attention to the Kingdom of Bahrain as a significant international sporting venue, said a Kuwaiti official on Saturday.
In statements to KUNA, Kuwait's ambassador to Bahrain and dean of the diplomatic corps. Sheikh Azzam Mubarak Al-Sabah said that Kuwait's participation in the opening ceremony of this much awaited-for event resonated well with the public.
He added that the success of this international car race in Bahrain serves the aspiration of the country for national unity and solidarity, describing the race, which began yesterday, as " a race in the love for Bahrain." Authorities here view the race not only as a sports activity, but an opportunity to promote the Kingdom at the tourist and commercial levels, as a well as a supplementary source for the national economy, with proceeds estimated at USD 200 million during the race period.
The three-day race is coupled with concerts and diverse entertainment programs, with the aim of luring the largest number of fans of the auto race and recreational activities.
The 159 hectares race track, some 30 km from the capital, has been built with close and keen supervision by Bahraini authorities. The cost of its construction is estimated at USD 150 million.
The Kingdom regards the race, involving 13 teams from various countries, as an opportunity to host journalists from foreign nations and thus portrays the country as a key hub for sports and leisure.
The number of sold tickets this year has risen by 22 percent compared to last year's sales. (end) mgh.ajs