ABFS Newsletter Update

April 28, 2026

Our hopes and prayers for peace in the region, and an end to the hostile fire aimed at our Bahraini friends, continue unabated. All of us mourn the loss of life and destruction of property Bahrain has endured and join in spirit with our sisters and brothers throughout the Kingdom of Bahrain in wishing for a swift and successful conclusion to the conflict.

Sadly, the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 due to the ongoing conflict. As many are aware, the Bahraini F1 “Watch Party” has been a popular and well attended ABFS event for years. While we greatly miss this opportunity for both renewing friendships and enjoying a spectacular racing event, our plans for additional fellowship opportunities will continue.

The ABFS continues its effort to reach a wider audience and give more people the opportunity to join in our goal of expanding friendships between Americans and Bahrainis. To that end, in February we started updating and expanding our social media footprint.

You will find our updated website at www.abfsdc.org where you can sign up if not already a member or renew your dues if you are. We are also on X (@abfsdc), Facebook (Abfsdc), and Instagram (abfsdc). If you have pictures, events, or news of interest to the members of the Society, please send them to abfsdc@outlook.com.

Be sure to follow us on social media to remain aware of upcoming activities and opportunities.

I am pleased to announce His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Kingdom of Bahrain Ambassador to the United States, has approved two new board members.

Welcome to former U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Steven C. Bondy. He served as ambassador in Bahrain from February 2022 to September 2025. A career Foreign Service Officer, he served in numerous positions throughout the region and in Washington DC.

Welcome to the board also to Mrs. Meghan Bondy. Meghan accompanied her husband during his numerous assignments throughout the region, held a number of Embassy spouse job assignments, and had an accomplished career in the private sector.

The Bondys have two adult children and recently welcomed their first grandchild. We are honored and delighted to have you both on the team!