bahrainthismonth.com | NOVEMBER 2026 INTERVIEW 61 Motoring’s Royal Return Royal Bahrain Concours Chairman James Brooks-Ward reflects on its successful debut and reveals the cars, experiences and ambitions shaping this year’s celebration of motoring excellence. What made you proudest of the first Royal Bahrain Concours? What made me proudest was seeing the vision we’d worked towards become a reality. We set out to create a truly international concours, bringing some of the world’s most exceptional motor cars to Bahrain while celebrating the extraordinary automotive culture that already exists across the Gulf. What perhaps surprised me most was just how warmly the event was embraced by the regional motoring community. There is an incredible depth of automotive passion and knowledge in this part of the world. What will be new for returning visitors in 2026? For 2026, we’re bringing together another exceptional collection of cars from across the GCC and internationally, with an expanded programme celebrating different eras of automotive design, engineering and craftsmanship. We’ve introduced Modern Coachbuilt and the Big 6 classes, alongside dedicated categories celebrating the region’s wider car culture. Another exciting addition is RBC TV, which will take audiences behind the scenes, sharing interviews with collectors, the fascinating histories of individual cars and coverage of the event itself. Which cars and stories are you most excited about? For me, the history and provenance of a car can be just as fascinating as the machine itself. A wonderful example from our inaugural event was the 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV, originally commissioned for the Shah of Iran, which went on to win Best of Show. This year, we’ll bring together everything from pre-war masterpieces and significant examples of British, European and American motoring heritage to extraordinary supercars and modern hypercars. What can families enjoy beyond the cars? Across the two days, visitors can look forward to live entertainment, fashion shows, fascinating speaker sessions and opportunities to hear more about the cars and the people behind them. There will also be a range of food and hospitality experiences, including our Ladies’ Afternoon Tea. The Royal Golf Club provides a spectacular backdrop, and we want people to feel they can spend the day with us, whether they’re lifelong petrolheads or simply looking for a memorable experience with family and friends. How are you involving car clubs and younger enthusiasts? The car clubs are absolutely fundamental to the Royal Bahrain Concours. We’re expecting around 100 car-club vehicles this year, representing a wonderful variety of marques, eras and automotive interests. Our Thirty Under 30 category, supported by BBK, celebrates younger collectors and enthusiasts who are restoring, preserving and enjoying remarkable cars. We also have dedicated Restomod & Modified and 4x4 Trailblazers categories, recognising that automotive enthusiasm takes many different forms. For me, the long-term future of the collector-car world depends on engaging the next generation. What are your ambitions for the Concours? Our ambition has always been to establish the Royal Bahrain Concours as a permanent fixture on the international motoring calendar, recognised alongside the world’s most prestigious concours events. Bahrain was the first country in the Middle East to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the Concours can build on that legacy by showcasing another fascinating side of automotive culture. We want to create an event that attracts the world’s finest collectors, exceptional cars and international visitors, while remaining unmistakably Bahraini in its character and hospitality. The continued support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, together with our collaboration with the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority and long-term partners such as BBK, provides a strong foundation for that ambition.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==