Where Diplomacy Feels Like Home: Bahrain's Soul Shines in Diyafa's Farewell

Daily Tribune

17-04-2025

TDT | Manama
The Sheraton Hotel played host yesterday to the closing ceremony of the International Diplomats Program (Diyafa), where diplomats from across the globe came together to reflect on an immersive journey through Bahrain's rich cultural and historical heritage.
Now in its fifth edition, Diyafa continues to strengthen Bahrain's diplomatic presence and people-to-people ties through a powerful blend of academic engagement and cultural experience. The initiative, launched in 2019 by the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies, was the proud recipient of the first-ever Government Innovation Competition (Fikra) award in 2018. Since then, it has welcomed 91 diplomats and officials representing 47 different nations.
Cultural Immersion with a Diplomatic Purpose
This year's programme invited participants, who spent nine days in Bahrain, to delve deep into the Kingdom's history and traditions—beginning at Bait Al Selal, where they engaged in the traditional craft of basket weaving, a symbol of the Kingdom's enduring artistic identity. The journey continued to Qal'at Al Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering participants an opportunity to walk through layers of ancient civilization and understand Bahrain's significance as a historical crossroads of the Gulf.
The initiative's design—combining practical cultural exposure with institutional visits and dialogue—has continued to enhance Bahrain's image as an open, welcoming, and diplomatically engaged nation.
Reflections from Participants
Speaking exclusively to TDT, participants shared their reflections as the ceremony echoed with emotion and admiration:
"I already had a hint of how deep the culture of Bahrain has been historically with so many different civilizations coming through in Bahrain," said Stefanos G.K. Kalyvas from Greece. "Through my visit to Bahrain's National Museum, I could actually understand and fathom the deepness of the culture and the cultural identity of this place. And I'm honored to have seen this depth of culture. This is a country with equally deep historical depth. And we also have cultural and historic ties with Bahrain. I realized this, again, through our interaction and learning your culture."
Fathimath Nabeeha Ahmed, a participant from the Republic of Maldives, offered a poignant take on diplomacy: "There are two pathways towards strengthening ties between countries, in my opinion: economic and cultural. Culturally, we have this 100% and we need to utilize it." She added: "I think the most significant thing that I experienced during my time in Bahrain was the hospitality that I experienced. It makes me speechless, honestly. While I was writing the speech for the closing ceremony, I was almost at a loss of words because I did not know how to explain the gratitude I have for the country. We experienced quite a lot of the institutions and how the policies and frameworks were established in Bahrain—and how they have different steps for implementation. I'm hoping that Maldives can hopefully, based on the structures that Bahrain has built, perhaps include some of it in our policies that positively impact our economy and our government."
Lauren K. A. Jans, from the Kingdom of Belgium, emphasized Bahrain's openness: "I have learned from this program that Bahrain is very open. And the hospitality that we have seen here—I am very impressed by it. I want to go back to Belgium and tell everyone about it, to make it known that Bahrain is so open and that there is very much a possibility to strengthen our ties between Belgium and Bahrain in a lot of ways. Economic, but also cultural. I think that the culture in Belgium and the culture in Bahrain might be different, but we can still learn from each other. And I have learned a lot from being here in Bahrain and I am very willing to go back to Belgium and to talk to all my colleagues and the people that I know about what I have learned here."
Bahrain's Impact
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Bashar Maher AlSheyyab, representing Jordan, shared his awe from the moment he arrived in Bahrain: 'From the very first moment we landed, I was struck by the state of institutions here, reflecting the visionary leadership of His Majesty the King and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. What stood out to me most was visiting Al Baitul Oud, where authentic Bahraini heritage was beautifully preserved, like an artistic masterpiece. In just a few days, you allowed me to experience 22 different lives and cultures. On behalf of my colleagues, we promise to always serve as ambassadors for what we witnessed here in Bahrain—a truly unforgettable experience.'
H.E. Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani Calls for Global Unity
In his powerful closing statement, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, urged the participants to stay connected: 'Stay in touch with each other—this is the seed you've planted. You will grow, you will excel, and one day you will work together to make this world a better place.' His words underscored the program's long-term diplomatic vision: fostering global cooperation that transcends formalities and builds upon the relationships developed during the program. Through the shared experiences in Bahrain, these diplomats, regardless of nationality, will now carry forward the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.
H.E. Dr. Sh. Muneera Al Khalifa on Diplomacy and Human Connection
H.E. Dr. Sh. Muneera bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, Director General of the Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Academy for Diplomatic Studies, echoed the sentiment of unity in her heartfelt address: 'Diplomacy begins where formalities end—with human connection and friendship. Bahrain is your home, just as it is ours. And diplomacy at its best—it feels like this. It feels like home.' Her words perfectly encapsulated the essence of Bahrain's approach to diplomacy—one grounded in genuine human connections. Through the Diyafa program, Bahrain not only opened its doors but also its heart, offering a space for authentic relationships to flourish, reaffirming the Kingdom's position as a welcoming, globally connected nation.
A Lasting Legacy
As the curtains drew on Diyafa 2025, what remained was a collective sense of admiration, unity, and gratitude—each participant leaving with not just memories, but a deeper understanding of Bahrain's heart and its role on the global stage.
Through initiatives like Diyafa, Bahrain continues to invest in soft diplomacy, building bridges that reach far beyond the Gulf. Yesterday's ceremony was not just a farewell, but a new beginning—one rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and cultural kinship.