Batelco, the leading telecom service provider in Bahrain, has announced its platinum sponsorship for French Week 2011, which will feature a variety of artistic and cultural programmes.

The event will take place at a number of locations in Bahrain between February 23 and March 1.

The French Week organised by the French Embassy in association with the Franco Bahraini Business Club, with Batelco as the main sponsor, will deliver a variety of French art, film, music, entertainment and gastronomy, as well as a number of sporting tournaments.

The annual event aims to provide a glimpse of French culture for residents of Bahrain whilst also hoping to attract visitors from around the Gulf region.

Among the activities will be art exhibitions held at Sahar Art Gallery in Sanabis, at the Riwaq Art Gallery and Bahrain National Museum, a photography exhibition at Jamsheer House, tapestry exhibition at Kurar House and a variety of French movies held daily at Shaikh Ebrahim Centre.

Among the sporting events will be a mini Tour de France held on Amwaj Islands and a golf competition held at the Royal Golf Club at Riffa Views.

French Week will open with a ceremony for invited guests at the Ritz Carlton featuring a fireworks display at 9 pm on February 23 and conclude with a dinner featuring dance and opera performances at the new Sofitel Hotel.

“We at the Embassy are very pleased to have the support of one of the Kingdom’s leading companies for our special event,” said Yves Oudin, French Ambassador to Bahrain.

“Batelco’s financial assistance makes it possible for us to deliver a superb variety of programmes that are certain to provide something for everyone.”

Group general manager HR Shaikh Ahmed Al Khalifa said that Batelco is delighted to support the French Week as it provides such a wide variety of entertaining programmes that will give everyone a true taste and feel of France. – TradeArabia News Service