Entertainment shows and concerts will be banned in Bahrain this Eid holiday because of the 40-day official mourning announced after the passing away of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a top official said.
"Hotels and clubs in Bahrain, which count on the Eid holidays to attract tourists from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar with shows, concert and plays, and also various associations of expatriates, will not be able to hold entertainment programmes this time in Eid, which is expected to fall in mid-November," Shaikha Hind Bint Salman Al Khalifa, assistant undersecretary for social affairs at the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, said in a statement.
The Ministry issued the statement to deny a report in a local newspaper that said Eid celebrations had been given the official go-ahead.
Shaikha Hind said, "The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs was committed to the official decision of the 40-day mourning."
"The ministry has even received calls from expatriate clubs and associations on the possibility of holding activities during the Eid holidays," she added.
"We have informed them that Bahrain has announced a 40-day mourning, and that the clubs and associations should understand these special circumstances stemming from the fraternal relations between the Bahrain and UAE," Shaikha Hind said.
She added, "They should also appreciate the special significance that the UAE has in the hearts of all the Arabs."
Meanwhile, Bahrain's Council of Ministers paid tribute to Shaikh Zayed, according to a statement issued following the weekly Cabinet meeting.
"The Cabinet mourned the death of Shaikh Zayed," the statement said.
Paying homage to Shaikh Zayed, Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa said, "The world had lost a wise leader who has always served Arab and Islamic causes."
The statement added, "The Cabinet also welcomed the election of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the President of the UAE."
