Bapco Energies-BIC Partnership Showcasing Bahrain on Global Stage

Mark Thomas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Energies, the integrated energy company leading the energy transition in the Kingdom of Bahrain, extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the successful organisation of the 2025 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

Thomas recalled the Kingdom’s successful track record in hosting global motorsport events at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), which have contributed to raising Bahrain’s international profile and reflect the leadership’s ongoing support and the achievements realised under the leadership of His Majesty the King.

Bapco Energies’ partnership with BIC, “the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East”, is part of its strategy to enhance its global presence and support the national economy by sponsoring sporting events that promote the Kingdom as a global destination for sport and tourism.

Bapco Energies has played a key role in shaping the history and future of motorsport in the Middle East, providing financial and logistical support since the inaugural Bahrain Grand Prix in 2004 and operating a dedicated fuel station at the Circuit to support its operations over the years.

The group is committed to supporting Bahraini youth in motorsport, both as drivers and engineers, through initiatives such as local karting championships aimed at developing national talent.

As a principal partner of BIC, Bapco Energies continues its efforts to achieve major milestones that support the development of the energy sector and promote sustainability in Bahrain. This is pursued through partnerships across various sectors and a structured framework for integrated sustainability with the Circuit.

The Bahrain Grand Prix plays a key role in supporting the national economy, attracting investment, creating quality job opportunities for citizens, boosting commerce and tourism, and contributing to economic diversification.

Bapco Energies’ strategic partnerships with international sports events help promote Bahrain to millions of viewers globally, reinforcing its international presence and positioning the Kingdom as a dynamic and progressive destination.

Bapco Energies leads meaningful initiatives for sustainability and climate action. During the recent Bapco Energies Bahrain 8 Hours Endurance Race, part of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the group collaborated with public and private entities to reduce carbon emissions and launched an environmentally friendly ticket initiative. A portion of each ticket sold, matched by Bapco Energies, supports mangrove planting in Bahrain as part of the national goal to quadruple mangrove coverage by 2035.

Bapco Energies also announced its official partnership with the McLaren Formula 1 Team at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix held at Yas Marina Circuit from December 5-8 2024. This strategic partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainable success, values embedded in Bapco Energies’ operations and its subsidiaries.

Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism and Chairperson of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, highlighted that Bahrain witnessed an increase in tourism indicators, specifically hotel occupancy rates and average length of stay, coinciding with the 2025 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. She noted that the presence of leading global investors presents a valuable opportunity to showcase Bahrain’s strengths and investment appeal.

She commended public-private cooperation, highlighting the role of Bapco Energies in supporting national events and noting its status as a leading national brand with a 90-year legacy in Bahrain’s energy sector.

Al Sairafi said that such partnerships enhance tourism and contribute positively to sustainable development and the national economy. She highlighted that BIC is among the world’s most distinguished tracks, and that Bapco Energies’ two-decade-long partnership has enhanced the Circuit’s global standing and improved the visitor experience through ongoing development. The Circuit is a vital part of Bahrain’s sports tourism infrastructure.

She emphasised the need for a shared vision with clear objectives to ensure sustainable tourism growth and increase the sector’s competitiveness, in line with the 2022–2026 Tourism Strategy and the growing global interest in motorsport and international travel.

She also highlighted Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority’s efforts to boost tourism during the Formula 1 season, in cooperation with the private sector, by offering exceptional visitor experiences at both the Formula 1 Village at BIC and across Bahrain’s tourism and heritage sites, with the aim of encouraging return visits throughout the year.

Mark Thomas emphasised that the sustainable partnership between Bapco Energies and BIC reflects the vision of His Majesty the King and the guidance of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in support of youth and sports to promote wellbeing and community development through major sporting events.

He explained that Bapco Energies’ sponsorship of events at the Circuit has helped enhance its global brand and raise awareness of the group and its subsidiaries. He added that the partnership supports broader national efforts to drive economic growth and attract tourism and investment.

Thomas said: “The Bahrain Grand Prix is more than a race—it is a platform for cultural exchange and an opportunity to highlight Bahrain’s achievements, heritage, and development. It has contributed to the national economy and helped build a strong base of motorsport fans across Bahrain and the Middle East.”