In a first for the region and a coup for Bahrain, the Kingdom is to host the inaugural Royal Bahrain Concours, a premier assembly of some of the world’s most exclusive and exceptional motor vehicles.
The event is being held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and in partnership with Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority. It will take place on November 7 and 8 at the Royal Golf Club.
Staged by Thorough Events, creators of the world renowned Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, UK, Concours of Elegance Germany and the London Concours, this prestigious international gathering will feature 90 of the world’s most exceptional collector cars – ranging from timeless classics to contemporary legends – alongside 300 additional vehicles from GCC-based car clubs.
The programme begins on November 7 (Friday) – Royal & VIP Day – with the Grand Arrival, a procession of all Concours cars spanning more than 100 years of motoring history. Seeing these vehicles driven into position by their owners offers a unique chance to appreciate them in motion before they take their places on the show field. November 8 (Saturday) – Specialist Concours & Club Trophy Awards Day – will feature various select categories, which will be announced at the event. There will also be a presentation of class awards and the coveted Best of Show.
Both days feature car club gatherings and the Grand Depart on Saturday afternoon, when the Concours cars leave the grounds of the Royal Golf Club in style.
With its debut, the Royal Bahrain Concours joins the ranks of prestigious international concours events in the US and Europe, positioning the Kingdom as a distinguished new destination on the global concours calendar – uniting discerning collectors, connoisseurs, enthusiasts and luxury lifestyle audiences from around the world.
“The Royal Bahrain Concours is set to be the number one Concours in the whole of the GCC. Bahrain is known as the home of motoring, having been the first GCC country to welcome Formula One. The Kingdom is renowned for its warm welcome and its rich culture. It is the most natural place for the motoring world to converge in November,” says James Brooks-Ward, Chairman, Royal Bahrain Concours.
Concours History
Concours d’Elegance, a French term meaning ‘competition of elegance’, dates back to 17th-century France when aristocrats would parade their horse-drawn carriages in the parks of Paris. Over the years, carriages gave way to automobiles and the modern concours was born, with exclusive and often vintage vehicles being judged on appearance and authenticity among other attributes.
Headquartered in London, Thorough Events was created in 2012, to organise a Concours to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne.
Launched at Windsor Castle, the event was awarded the Best Motoring Event at the International Historic Motoring Awards. In subsequent years, the Concours has taken place at St. James’s Palace, Hampton Court Palace and The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
At its heart there is an ethos of placing the leading car owners in amazing locations and developing strong bonds with partners to produce world-leading events, including the Concours of Elegance Germany which is presented by premium watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne.
A New Chapter for Bahrain
The inaugural Concours underscores Bahrain’s growing reputation as a hub of culture, luxury and international distinction. Already home to the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and a rich tapestry of cultural and heritage landmarks, the Kingdom is increasingly recognised as a destination where tradition meets modernity. Visitors will discover a vibrant culinary scene, luxury resorts and unique Arabian hospitality – elements that elevate Bahrain beyond the event itself into a complete luxury travel experience.
Programme Highlights
● Day 1 – Friday, November 7: The Prestige Day – Presentation of the leading cars on the Concours stage and luxury shopping.
● Day 2 – Saturday, November 8: Awards Day with all class winners and Best of Show awarded – 400 vehicles, shopping and food.
Tickets are strictly limited and available now. Guests are encouraged to secure access early to experience this landmark occasion.
Please visit royalconcours.com for ticketing and more information.