When it comes to world-class automotive events, few names carry the same weight as Thorough Events — the team behind the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace, Concours of Elegance Germany, and the London Concours.
Now, that same team is bringing its trademark mix of curation, craftsmanship, and class to the Gulf with the inaugural Royal Bahrain Concours, taking place on 7–8 November 2025 at the stunning Royal Golf Club in Riffa, Bahrain.
Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, the Royal Bahrain Concours will gather 90 of the world’s most extraordinary collector cars — from pre-war legends to modern hypercars — alongside 300 additional vehicles from the region’s most passionate car clubs.
At the helm is James Brooks-Ward, Chairman of the Royal Bahrain Concours and Chief Executive of Thorough Events, whose vision is to establish Bahrain as the Gulf’s new home of automotive excellence.
Motorz.me: James, you’ve hosted some of the world’s most exclusive concours events. What inspired you to bring that experience to Bahrain?
James Brooks-Ward: Bahrain has this incredible mix of heritage, sophistication and hospitality; it was the first country in the Gulf to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix, after all. When the opportunity arose to create the Royal Bahrain Concours under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, it immediately felt right. It’s a country that understands the art of hosting, and we wanted to pair that warmth with the world’s finest cars.
Motorz.me: What makes the Royal Bahrain Concours stand out from other events on the global concours calendar?
James Brooks-Ward: It’s where the Gulf meets the world’s most exclusive cars — that’s the essence of it. We’re not simply recreating an event from Europe; we’re creating something distinctly Bahraini. You’ll see exceptional collector cars, yes, but also a reflection of the region’s growing passion for automotive culture. The Royal Golf Club provides an elegant setting, and we’re combining world-class presentation with Arabian hospitality.
Motorz.me: The entry list already includes some pretty special machinery. Can you give us a preview?
James Brooks-Ward: The calibre is outstanding. We’re curating 60 concours cars, 40 from the region’s top collectors and 20 international entries, plus an additional 30 feature displays. One of the real showstoppers is the 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis, a one-off by Carrozzeria Boano that fuses Italian design with American engineering. It’s joined by a 1930 Cord L-29 Cabriolet, the first American car with front-wheel drive.
We’ll also have themed classes like Pre 1940’s, American Classics, British Classics, European Classics, Supercars & Hypercars, which celebrates modern supercars and hypercars from 1990 to today. It’s an incredible mix. A 1930s Horch might sit alongside an ultra-rare Koenigsegg CC Prototype or Ferrari F40.
Motorz.me: Thorough Events has a reputation for impeccable presentation. What can visitors expect in terms of experience and atmosphere?
James Brooks-Ward: Attention to detail is everything. From how each car is positioned to how guests experience the event, every element is considered. Friday will be our Prestige Day, a preview for collectors, owners and partners, while Saturday is the main Concours Day, featuring the awards presentations and feature classes. Visitors can expect a relaxed yet luxurious environment, with the same standard of hospitality we deliver at our other events, but with the warmth and flair of the Gulf.
Motorz.me: How central are GCC collectors and car clubs to the success of the Royal Bahrain Concours?
James Brooks-Ward: They’re at the heart of it. The region has some of the most significant private collections in the world, and the enthusiasm among collectors here is incredible. We’ve had huge support from across the GCC, and part of our mission is to give local collectors a global platform. Alongside the concours cars, we’ll have around 300 member vehicles from car clubs across Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and beyond — that’s the foundation of our community.
Motorz.me: The Royal Bahrain Concours is said to lead a wider Motoring Week in the Kingdom. What’s the ambition there?
James Brooks-Ward: We want to create something lasting and have a week that celebrates motoring in every sense. The Royal Bahrain Concours will be the centrepiece, but we’re building around it with tours, dinners, and experiences that highlight Bahrain’s culture and hospitality. The goal is to make the Kingdom a permanent fixture on the global collector calendar, much like Pebble Beach, Villa d’Este or indeed the Concours of Elegance.
Motorz.me: You’ve built a reputation for world-class events, from Windsor Castle to Munich. How do you translate that success to Bahrain?
James Brooks-Ward: It’s about maintaining our DNA while embracing local identity. Every event we do is defined by curation and authenticity. Each car we invite tells a story, whether it’s royal provenance, racing heritage or exceptional craftsmanship. In Bahrain, that storytelling will meet a completely different kind of magic: the culture, the setting, and the people.
Motorz.me: And finally, how would you sum up the Royal Bahrain Concours in one sentence?
James Brooks-Ward: A celebration of the world’s most beautiful cars, brought together by passion, artistry, and the spirit of Arabian hospitality.
Event Details
Venue: Royal Golf Club, Riffa, Bahrain
Dates: 7–8 November 2025
Tickets and info: royalconcours.com Instagram: @royalbahrainconcours
