Gulf Air renews Royal Bahrain Concours partnership for 2026

Gulf Air will return as a sponsor for the 2026 Royal Bahrain Concours in Riffa, Bahrain, with an expanded role after backing the inaugural event. The partnership underscores Bahrain’s push to grow its profile in luxury, automotive and cultural experiences ahead of the Nov. 6-7 show. Why it matters: - Gulf Air’s renewed backing gives the Royal Bahrain Concours more institutional support as the event tries to cement itself on the international concours calendar. - The partnership also reinforces Bahrain’s effort to position itself as a destination for luxury, automotive and cultural events. - The 2026 edition is expected to draw collectors, enthusiasts, luxury brands and international visitors to the Kingdom. What happened: - The Royal Bahrain Concours announced that Gulf Air renewed its partnership for the event’s 2026 edition. - Gulf Air will return as a sponsor with an enhanced partnership after supporting the inaugural Royal Bahrain Concours. - The event will take place at the Royal Golf Club in Riffa on Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. The details: - The first Royal Bahrain Concours drew 60 collector cars and more than 200 members’ cars from leading car clubs across the GCC. - The event says the first edition delivered strong regional engagement and growing international attention. - Gulf Air is Bahrain’s national carrier and operates from Bahrain International Airport. - Gulf Air was founded in 1950 and serves destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, the Indian sub-continent and the Far East. - The 2026 event will bring together curated cars, collectors, enthusiasts, luxury partners and international guests. - The Royal Bahrain Concours is organized by Thorough Events in collaboration with the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority. - Further details on the 2026 program, participating vehicles, partners and tickets will be announced later. Between the lines: - The expanded sponsorship suggests Gulf Air sees the concours as a long-term platform rather than a one-off showcase. - The event’s positioning blends automotive prestige with Bahrain’s broader tourism and hospitality goals. - James Brooks-Ward, chairman of the Royal Bahrain Concours, called the airline’s renewed support a strong vote of confidence in the event’s direction. - Martin Gauss, CEO of Gulf Air, said the first edition showed the strength of Bahrain’s luxury and automotive community and that the airline wants to play a greater role in 2026. What’s next: - Organizers will reveal the 2026 program, participating cars, partners and ticket information in due course. - Gulf Air’s expanded role should help the event market itself to regional and international audiences ahead of November. - The Royal Bahrain Concours will look to build on the momentum from its debut year and deepen its standing in the global concours scene.