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Professor Samaa Al-Rais, President of the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society, welcomed Their Majesties, Excellencies, and Highnesses, the leaders of the Arab states participating in the 33rd Arab Summit, which the Kingdom of Bahrain is hosting on May 16th. In a press statement, Samaa Al-Rais said, "We are delighted to host the Arab Summit in the Kingdom of Bahrain and consider it an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation and coordination among Arab states. This summit comes at a sensitive regional and international juncture, reflecting the Kingdom of Bahrain's unwavering commitment to promoting security and stability in the Arab region. As a Bahraini civil society organization, we would like to emphasize our commitment to enhancing Arab cooperation in various cultural and social fields, particularly in strategic planning. We also seek to strengthen bilateral relations between similar institutions in Arab countries and enhance our competitiveness at the regional and international levels." Al-Rais affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's position, across all its institutions, in achieving a just and comprehensive peace and a two-state solution in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative, while guaranteeing the Palestinian people's right to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. She added, "We are also committed to strengthening joint Arab action in the areas of sustainable development and achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and to enhancing cooperation in contributing to the development of economic, educational, health, and cultural strategies. We look forward to positive and fruitful outcomes from the 33rd Arab Summit and hope that it will contribute to strengthening Arab unity and joint cooperation for the benefit of our peoples and our entire region." It is worth noting that the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society is organizing a seminar on Tuesday, May 14th, entitled "Bahrain Summit - Aspirations and Ambitions," which will discuss two main themes: The first theme: Analysis of Exceptional Economic Circumstances, presented by Dr. Dhafer Al-Ajmi (writer and political analyst): This theme addresses the current economic challenges facing the Arab region due to the turmoil and security instability in the Middle East. It will also examine the impact of these circumstances on economic growth, investment, and trade, and identify areas requiring strategic intervention to enhance economic stability. The second theme: The Accelerating Impacts of Climate Change, presented by Dr. Abdullah Al-Abbasi (Director of the Energy and Environment Program at the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies): This theme addresses the environmental challenges facing the Arab region as a result of climate change. It will discuss the impacts of climate change on various economic sectors, such as agriculture, energy, water, and tourism, and identify the strategic measures that must be taken to adapt to these changes and promote environmental sustainability.

In an effort to strengthen cooperation among civil society organizations, the Basma Khair Humanitarian Society hosted the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society. At the kind invitation of Mr. Omar Issa Buheila, Chairman of the Basma Khair Humanitarian Society, an important meeting was held with the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society, headed by Ms. Samaa Al-Rais, at the Basma Khair Humanitarian Society headquarters in Isa Town. Discussions focused on several matters aimed at enhancing volunteer work. In a move to bolster the capabilities of volunteer organizations in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Basma Khair Humanitarian Society, in cooperation with the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society, announced its intention to organize a series of training events. These events aim to equip volunteer staff with the necessary knowledge and skills in strategic planning, thereby contributing to improved performance and more efficient achievement of their goals. This initiative comes in response to the growing need to support volunteer organizations in light of the numerous challenges they face, and underscores the importance of volunteer work in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. These training events are expected to be led by a group of specialists in strategic planning, further enhancing the effectiveness of volunteer work in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The President of the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society, Professor Samaa Yousef Al-Rais, expressed her profound happiness at the high level of development and prosperity achieved by Bahraini women in all fields that directly contribute to achieving the desired development. This progress is attributed to the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect him, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him. She also commended the efforts of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, and the unlimited support she provides to Bahraini women in all sectors. On the occasion of Bahraini Women's Day, the President of the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society extended her warmest congratulations to women in all fields of work and achievement, wishing them continued progress and prosperity in fulfilling their aspirations at all national, social, and personal levels. She emphasized that Bahraini women have always been known for their perseverance and diligence, working hard and sincerely to the best of their ability to prove their worth and competence. Recent figures and statistics indicate that Bahraini women have an active presence in all areas related to economic development, as evidenced by the number of active commercial registrations, their presence in the banking sector, and their representation in government institutions, even at the highest leadership levels. This underscores the wise leadership's attention to and support for Bahraini women, recognizing them as a powerful force contributing to the advancement of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Samaa Al-Rais expressed her appreciation to the Supreme Council for Women, led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, for its ongoing efforts to enhance women's participation in all aspects of public, economic, and political life. She stated that the Supreme Council for Women's achievements since its establishment represent a qualitative leap for Bahraini women on all levels. She emphasized that Bahraini women are the cornerstone of preserving the family unit, and that the advancement of women leads to the advancement of society as a whole, which in turn contributes to the Kingdom's development, progress, and prosperity. The President of the Association called for "strengthening partnerships among all relevant entities to ensure the continued support of initiatives that empower women and open new horizons for them." Samaa Al-Rais explained that the Bahraini Strategic Planning Society, whose board of directors she chairs, is a leading international professional association that encourages excellence in applying the foundations of strategic planning by 2030. Bahraini women in the society work with skill and professionalism and share all tasks with their male counterparts in order to achieve the goals for which the society was founded, in order to strengthen the role of women as a worthy partner in building the state after the years (Silver Jubilee) of the blessed reform process proved the ability of Bahraini women to challenge and innovate, and that their successive successes contribute to achieving sustainable development and enhancing social stability.

Professor Sama Yousef, President of the Strategic Planning Society, extended her warmest congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect him, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, and to the people of Bahrain on the anniversary of the National Action Charter. She noted that "the Strategic Planning Society believes that the Charter represents the political and reform framework from which Bahrain Vision 2030 was launched as a comprehensive national strategy. The Vision provides a clear roadmap to guide all state institutions, ensuring the unification of efforts and the transformation of principles into public policies and practical projects that lead to tangible development outcomes and contribute to maximizing national achievements. Hence, the Society's focus on strategic planning as a goal through which it seeks to be a hub of knowledge in all matters related to strategic planning." The association president continued, saying, "Strategic planning represents a practical extension of the spirit of the National Action Charter. It translates the principles of reform and participation established within the constitutional framework into actionable policies and programs. It transforms the national vision into clear development paths based on data-driven planning and foresight. Strategic planning plays a pivotal role in unifying institutional efforts, improving the quality of public decision-making, and ensuring the optimal use of resources. This makes the Charter an intellectual foundation and planning an effective implementation tool for consolidating sustainable development and maximizing national achievements." Professor Sama Yousef affirmed that the association highly values ​​all national efforts that solidify the position of Bahraini women as a vital element in strategic planning. This stems from a firm conviction that women's empowerment is a fundamental pillar for achieving the sustainable development goals we aspire to. The association, within its vision and programs, works to support planning based on justice and equal opportunities, promote policies that guarantee participation in decision-making, build leadership capacities, and link women's economic and social empowerment to comprehensive development and societal stability. This aligns with national objectives and enhances the Kingdom's competitiveness and the sustainability of its achievements. She concluded her statement by emphasizing that the anniversary of the National Action Charter is not merely a celebratory occasion, but rather a milestone for renewing the national commitment to building upon past achievements, ensuring that development strategies are aligned with emerging developments, and working diligently to strengthen all aspects of development. This contributes to sustainable growth, safeguards gains, and enhances Bahrain's regional and international standing as a balanced reform model that prioritizes human beings, both men and women. It is worth noting that the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society was established in 2004 as a non-profit organization, aiming to build an internationally recognized network of strategic experts, dedicated to developing strategic thinking, planning, management and leadership, and its core values ​​are based on professionalism, integrity, credibility, quality and community partnership.

The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society, Samaa Yousef, expressed her deep appreciation for the message of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women, addressed to Bahraini women at this pivotal stage in the nation's journey. She added, "When Her Royal Highness speaks about Bahraini women, she is not delivering a commendation speech, but rather acknowledging a genuine national phenomenon that we have all witnessed and experienced in the details of this period." She praised Her Royal Highness's unwavering support over many years, emphasizing that Her Royal Highness has not only commended Bahraini women during times of hardship, but has consistently been their foremost supporter in the empowerment and development process, providing support in all its forms. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society affirmed that Her Highness's support has enabled Bahraini women to achieve cumulative accomplishments on all political, economic, social, and humanitarian levels. She emphasized that this continuous and systematic support has cultivated women capable of enduring hardships with patience and resilience, granting them the steadfastness and confidence that place them at the forefront of every pivotal moment Bahrain experiences. She stressed that the resilience and contributions of Bahraini women we witness today are not a recent phenomenon, but rather the fruit of a genuine and profound investment in the Bahraini people. She added, "What struck me most in Her Highness's insightful message was her precise description: 'In the fields of medicine and nursing, Bahraini women are a walking embodiment of compassion; in education, they are a guiding light; and in their homes, they are schools that nurture generations who understand that the homeland is not merely a word, but a covenant to be upheld.' This is a precise strategic description of the nature of women's presence within the national resilience system during all the crises our beloved Kingdom has faced." The association's president continued, "We are witnessing a generation of women who understand that belonging is not an emotional feeling to be declared on special occasions, but rather a silent, daily behavior manifested in perseverance, giving, and steadfastness when others choose to hesitate. This kind of presence is what builds nations and solidifies their identity in pivotal moments." Samaa Yousef pointed to the message's profound connection between prayer and action, saying, "Bahraini women don't just pray; they carry their prayers with them into the fields of work, healthcare, education, and home. This integration of spirit and action is what makes them a rare human model, one who doesn't separate their faith from their actions, nor their home from their nation. This organic connection is what truly makes societies resilient when the winds of adversity blow." The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Bahraini Strategic Planning Society concluded her statement by saying: “We, as an association concerned with strategic planning, realize that the deepest assets of any country are not in its material wealth, but in its resilient human capital, and Bahraini women today prove, through practice and not words, that they are among the greatest and strongest of these assets. Bahrain stands tall like a palm tree, as Her Highness said, because its roots are of this caliber of women.”

أكدت سما يوسف رئيسة الجمعية البحرينية التخطيط الاستراتيجي تأييدها الكامل والراسخ لقرار إسقاط الجنسية البحرينية عن كل من ثبت تورطه في إبداء التعاطف أو تمجيد الأعمال العدائية الإيرانية الآثمة التي تستهدف أمن الوطن واستقراره، معتبرةً إياه قراراً سيادياً بامتياز يجسّد حكمة القيادة الحكيمة لحضرة صاحب الجلالة الملك حمد بن عيسى آل خليفة ملك البلاد المعظم حفظه الله ورعاه، وصاحب السمو الملكي الأمير سلمان بن حمد آل خليفة ولي العهد رئيس مجلس الوزراء حفظه الله، القيادة التي أثبتت أن أمن البحرين وسلامة مواطنيها خط أحمر لا يُساوَم عليه ولا يُتهاون في صونه. وأشادت في الوقت نفسه بما وصفته بالقرار الشجاع الذي يعكس بُعد النظر الاستراتيجي للقيادة، مؤكدةً أن المملكة بقيادتها الحكيمة لم تنتظر أن تتراكم التهديدات وتستفحل، بل تحركت في الوقت المناسب بكل حزم واقتدار للتصدي لكل محاولة تستهدف الجبهة الداخلية أو تسعى إلى زعزعة الوحدة الوطنية"، مشيرة إلى أن " التخطيط الاستراتيجي الحقيقي يبدأ من تشخيص الخطر قبل استفحاله، وما أقدمت عليه الدولة اليوم هو بالضبط ما تقتضيه الاستراتيجية الرشيدة: قطع الطريق على من يُوظّفون الجنسية غطاءً لخدمة أجندات خارجية معادية، ويتخذون من حقوق المواطنة درعاً للنيل من الوطن الذي منحهم إياها". وأوضحت "أن الجنسية في جوهرها ليست مجرد وثيقة تُمنح أو رقم في سجل، بل هي عقدٌ مزدوج الطرفين قائم على التوازن بين الحقوق والواجبات، تمنح بموجبه الدولة الفرد حمايةً وانتماءً وحقوقاً مكفولة، ويُقدّم بموجبه الفرد ولاءً صادقاً وانتماءً حقيقياً لا يتزعزع، لافتة إلى أن من يُبدي تعاطفاً مع من يُهاجم وطنه أو يُمجّد عدوانه قد أسقط بيده الطرف الأساسي من هذا العقد قبل أن تُسقطه الدولة عنه، وأن القرار في هذه الحالة ليس عقوبة بقدر ما هو تسجيل لواقع أوجده صاحبه بنفسه. وبينت رئيسة الجمعية البحرينية التخطيط الاستراتيجي "أن قوة البحرين الحقيقية لم تكن يوماً في ثرواتها أو موقعها الجغرافي وحده، بل في تلاحم شعبها مع قيادتها الرشيدة، وفي وحدة صفه الوطني التي صمدت أمام كل محاولات الاختراق والتفتيت على مدار سنوات، مؤكدةً أن هذا التلاحم العميق بين القيادة والشعب هو الدرع الأمتن والسياج المنيع في مواجهة كل من يُراهن على تفتيت النسيج الوطني أو يُعوّل على ثغرات في الجبهة الداخلية، وختمت بالقول "إن البحرين بهذا القرار الحازم ترسي قاعدة واضحة لا لبس فيها حفاظا على أمن ومستقبل الوطن".

Sama Yousef, President of the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society, affirmed her complete and unwavering support for the speech delivered by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect him. She noted that the King's address was not merely a routine statement, but a pivotal moment that clearly drew the line between genuine loyalty and false allegiance. She emphasized that His Majesty spoke from the heart of a sincere national conscience, expressing his love for this precious homeland and leaving no one with an excuse to shirk their responsibility or evade the obligations of belonging. At the same time, she praised what she described as the exceptional clarity of the King's address, stressing that His Majesty left no room for misinterpretation or maneuvering when he affirmed that the nation is above all else, and that the Kingdom of Bahrain is a trust placed upon the shoulders of all its citizens. She added, "A leader who calls things by their names and clarifies matters in the darkest of times builds a fortress of words that cannot be swept away by the winds nor undermined by conspiracies." She explained that His Majesty's revelation of the extent of collusion shown by a small group with the heinous Iranian aggression necessitates that all state and societal institutions stand united behind the leadership. She noted that "those who sold their conscience to foreign powers and chose loyalty to the enemy over belonging to the homeland have forfeited any claim they may have. The deterrent measures His Majesty referred to are not vindictive but a strategic necessity to preserve the cohesion of society and protect its future." The President of the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society clarified that Bahrain's true strength lies in the unity of its people with its wise leadership, and that this unity, as highlighted in His Majesty's speech, is the impregnable shield against all those who seek to fragment the national fabric. She concluded by saying, "With this noble royal address, Bahrain is establishing an unequivocal and unwavering principle: the homeland is a trust that cannot be betrayed, and loyalty to it is a duty that cannot be compromised." In this context, the head of the association recalled the poet’s words, “For homelands, in the blood of every free man, there is a debt owed and a debt due,” stressing that this debt, which the immortal verses refer to, is not repaid with beautiful words or by outbidding others, but rather with sincerity in loyalty and steadfastness in confronting anyone who dares to harm this precious homeland, and that when His Majesty the Great King reminds his sons that Bahrain is a trust in their hands, he is only rousing in them this debt that free men have always paid with their blood and souls.

Sama Youssef. Friday, May 8, 2026 - 2:00 AM Sama Yousef, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society, extended her sincere congratulations to the Bahraini press and media community on the occasion of Bahraini Press Day and World Press Freedom Day. She emphasized that the Bahraini press has always been and remains the first line of defense and a steadfast bulwark against challenges and brutal attacks that may target the country's security. She commended the historical roles and honorable stances taken by Bahraini media professionals, written with patriotism and dedication. She stressed that national voices have remained true to their commitment, faithfully defending the achievements made under the reform project of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain. She noted that these tremendous efforts were not merely news coverage, but rather a fundamental driving force and essential factor in the comprehensive civilizational and developmental progress witnessed by the Kingdom in all fields, making the media an active partner in shaping Bahrain's strategic future. In the same context, the Chairperson of the Society praised the contents of His Majesty's address. On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, His Majesty the King affirmed that the press represents a "roadmap" that strengthens the framework for responsible freedoms. She noted that His Majesty's emphasis on supporting freedom of opinion and expression demonstrates a firm and unwavering commitment to making journalism a fundamental pillar of the rule of law and constitutional institutions, and a true guarantee for the sustainability of the democratic approach in the Kingdom. In this context, Sama Yousef, President of the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society, affirmed that "partnership with the national press" is among its top priorities, believing that planning for the future of generations cannot be complete without strategic media that supports development visions and contributes to spreading a culture of proactive thinking. She explained that the association always seeks to build bridges of cooperation with media institutions, considering them knowledge partners that translate national aspirations from the planning stage to the realm of comprehensive public awareness. She emphasized that the integration of roles between research institutions and media platforms is the ultimate guarantee for achieving the goals of Bahrain's economic and social vision efficiently and effectively. Sama Yousef concluded her statement by affirming that "free and responsible speech" is the mirror that reflects the vitality and vibrant conscience of society. She pointed out that strategic planning for the nation's future requires a conscious media that understands the magnitude of its national responsibility. She reiterated her pride in the journalistic professionals who prove day after day that they are indispensable partners in protecting national identity and enhancing Bahrain's prestigious standing on the international stage.

Ms. Sama Yousef Al-Rais, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society, affirmed that the Bahrain International Cup's attainment of the top global ranking (Group 1) represents a pivotal strategic milestone in the Kingdom of Bahrain's development trajectory, a milestone deserving of in-depth analysis rather than fleeting celebration. She noted that such qualitative leaps are the cumulative result of the wise leadership's vision, which has embraced strategic foresight from the outset as a fundamental approach, not a mere option, and the product of years of organized institutional work that has set clear strategic objectives and measurable milestones. On this occasion, the Chairperson extended her warmest congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect him, and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, on this historic achievement, which was realized through their generous patronage and tireless follow-up of the development process across various sectors. She emphasized that this success would not have been possible without the high royal attention that has made the horse racing sector a priority within the comprehensive national development plan. She stated, "This This achievement carries significance that transcends the boundaries of horse racing as a sport, becoming a practical model to be emulated in how to transform a long-established traditional sector into a strategic asset serving broader objectives and solidifying Bahrain's image as an attractive environment for global elites and expertise in various fields. She pointed out that such leaps are not measured solely by their immediate impact, but also by their ability to reposition the country on the international competitiveness map in the long term, making this ranking a strategic asset added to Bahrain's developmental record. She emphasized that the importance of strategic planning in achieving qualitative accomplishments represents an administrative tool that organizes effort as a work philosophy that transforms ambition into a path and vision into sequential implementation steps. Major achievements like this global ranking are not built on a momentary decision or scattered effort, but rather on an integrated planning system that begins with setting long-term goals. Reaching the Group 1 ranking was simply the natural outcome of a patient work methodology that believed qualitative achievement is made through systematic planning, not wishful thinking, and that institutions that plan for a whole decade reap what institutions that plan for a single season do not. She added that what the horse racing system in Bahrain is witnessing This rapid development clearly reflects the wise leadership's commitment to adopting a long-term planning approach as an alternative to temporary successes. Major achievements are built according to well-defined stages, professional standards, and continuous monitoring. This is the same approach that the Bahrain Strategic Planning Society seeks to establish as a comprehensive national culture that transcends specific sectors to encompass all aspects of the state. The Society believes that the future of nations is not built on improvisation, but rather on a planning mindset that anticipates the future before it arrives. Sama Al-Rais concluded her statement by saying that the high royal attention given to this matter, and the diligent follow-up on its progress since its inception in 2019, represent a clear message that Bahrain views sports as a developmental and strategic tool par excellence, not merely a seasonal recreational activity. She expressed her confidence that this global ranking will be a launching point towards even more distinguished milestones, thanks to the continued leadership support and insightful vision guiding the development process in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and thanks to the planning culture that has become an inherent characteristic of every sector striving for excellence.

The Bahrain Strategic Planning Society organized a seminar entitled: Strategic Thinking: Fundamentals, Cautions, and Biases Presented by: Dr. Osama Al-Ali, Planning and Development Consultant Regards, Media Committee of the Society