Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of Supreme Council for Women, yesterday visited Bapco. She was received by Oil Minister and National Oil and Gas Authority chairman Dr Abdulhussain Mirza, Bapco chief executive Abdulkarim Al Sayyed and other officials.

Female staff briefed her on the company's efforts to empower Bahraini women and ensure equal job opportunities.

Shaikha Sabeeka toured an exhibition featuring old photographs of the company and was presented with a memento.

She then laid the foundation stone for Awali Park and launched the Shaikha Sabeeka Environment Island at the refinery.

She praised the company's role in promoting the environment and agriculture as well as organising awareness and training programmes.

She also hailed its effort to develop the park as part of its social responsibility and its keenness to empower women and provide them with all services to help them assume their duties to the best of their capabilities even in the most challenging fields.

She praised the female staff for their high level of competence and experience.

Dr Mirza highlighted the company's economic, social and humanitarian role, particularly in the field of women empowerment.

He lauded Shaikha Sabeeka's support for women's role in building new Bahrain.

Mr Sayyed described the visit as historic and praised her effort to encourage green zones and her interest in the environment and wildlife.