Thousands of tourists are expected to take part in the seven-day Formula 1 Open House that started on Friday at Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Centre.
Organised by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in association with Discover Islam, the daily event from 8am to 8pm is open to all. It is part of efforts to promote understanding and harmony between people of different faiths and inform tourists and non-Muslim expatriates about the Islamic architecture and culture, according to the Chief of Administration, Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa.
It also aims to provide entertainment opportunities for tourists during the F1 events, highlighting Bahrain's spirit of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
Around 50 volunteers fluent in more than one language are working as guides to the tourists who are mainly from Europe. Volunteers are also available at the airport, Bab Al Bahrain and the F1 circuit to invite people to the event. Booklets on the event's programmes and information about the mosque are being distributed.
The event follows the great success of previous gatherings as well as visitors' interest and demand.
More that 1,000 tourists from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, North America and other countries attended the first F1 open house.
"The major reason for our success is the cultural and social elements which promote goodwill and friendship among people," the coordinator for tourist visiting programme, Farhat Al Kindy, said, adding that the programme aimed at enhancing the spirit of unity and share it with others.
"Among the activities to attract a large number of people is Arabic calligraphy section. Visitors are being provided with traditional Bahraini sweets, pastries, nuts and Arabic tea and coffee," he said.
In the previous open house, most visitors expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit the mosque and take part in the event. They wished that such programme would be held more often to help them understand Islam and Muslims better.
Al Fateh Islamic Centre, dedicated to spreading message of peace, love and harmony among all non-Muslim expatriates and tourists, has been attracting Muslims and non-Muslim visitors since 1999. Tourists visit the centre on a regular basis to learn more about Islamic architecture.
© Bahrain Tribune 2005
