Manama: Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance, announced Bahrain's achievement of ranking first globally for having the highest density of houses of worship. This recognition, confirmed by the Guinness World Records, underscores Bahrain's commitment to religious and cultural diversity, supported by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the announcement was made during a high-level gala dinner hosted by the King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance at the Sheraton Hotel. The event was attended by senior officials, diplomatic heads, parliamentary figures, religious leaders, and representatives from the United Nations. The celebration marked the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, an occasion adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2025 following an initiative by Bahrain, backed by 162 countries.
In his speech, Dr Shaikh Abdulla expressed pride in celebrating this international occasion alongside the "Year of Isa Al Kabeer". He highlighted Bahrain's historic role as a model of coexistence and religious tolerance, inspired by His Majesty the King and the wisdom of His Highness Isa Al Kabeer. This achievement reflects Bahrain's integration of leadership with a vision for humanistic and progressive development.
The Minister also revealed that Bahrain has set a new global benchmark, officially recorded with a density of 2.577 houses of worship per square kilometre. This milestone showcases Bahrain as a unique example of religious tolerance and coexistence, supporting various religious practices within a framework of national unity and social cohesion.
An official adjudicator from Guinness World Records attended the ceremony to verify and announce the record, presenting an official certificate to confirm Bahrain's achievement in meeting all international standards and criteria.