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Impressive new Bahrain sports complex handed over to the Navy
18 February 2025
A new indoor sports complex for sailors based in Bahrain has been handed over to the Navy to begin fitting out.
Thirteen months after breaking ground, the Al Fateh – ‘Victory’ – Sports Hall is complete outwardly and ready for the Brits to add equipment and the personal touch.
The facility is the gift of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and the Bahrain Royal Family to the UK for its ongoing commitment to the security of the region.
It enhances existing facilities at the Naval Support Facility with a new boxing gym and a fully air-conditioned indoor sports hall designed to support the year-round ability to conduct a wide range of fitness activities.
In a ceremony led by the Bahrain Defence Force, His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa officially inaugurated the new hall, watched by Britain’s Ambassador to the kingdom, Alastair Long, and senior military representatives from both nations.
The strength of our relationship lies in our ability to work together, share knowledge, and innovative in ways that address emerging challenges.
“Since its establishment in 2018, the role of the Royal Navy at the Naval Support Facility alongside the Royal Bahrain Naval Force has been central to the safeguarding of our shared values, security, and prosperity,” Shaikh Isa said.
“The strength of our relationship lies in our ability to work together, share knowledge, and innovative in ways that address emerging challenges.”
Several hundred personnel call the support facility – the welfare building (shop, coffee shop/bar, games room, cinema and fitness suite) and infrastructure for the site were also gifted to the UK by the King of Bahrain – home on a daily basis.
It provides accommodation and sustenance for personnel operating/supporting Royal Navy vessels in the region, as well as Army and RAF personnel deployed to the kingdom, and support facilities for Gulf-based warships.
The hall will be available for use later this year.