Bahrain could be getting its first Arabic-speaking Rotary Club as early as next year, reported the Gulf Daily News on Monday.
An exploratory committee consisting of members of the three existing Rotary Clubs has been organized to look into the feasibility of establishing another club exclusively for Arabic-speaking members.
Bahrain is the only Middle East country that does not have such a chapter, said Rotary Club of Manama president Mohammed Al Khateeb.
"All three of our Rotary Clubs here conduct their business in English," he noted.
"We would like to form a chapter that uses the Arabic language."
The organizing committee includes Rotary Club of Adliya president Redha Faraj and Rotary Club of Manama members Mazen Al Umran and Faisal Al Hamer.
Khateeb said the new chapter could be established within six months.
"Interest levels are running high among many young Bahrainis who are not affiliated with any of the Rotary groups in Bahrain," he said.
"Future membership recruitment would target these individuals and not current Rotarians."
The move is not designed to "eliminate" or "exclude" expatriates, he added.
"On the contrary, the new chapter would be open to anyone who can speak Arabic," said Khateeb.
The Rotary Club currently has three local chapters, plus two special interest groups, boasting around 265 members – Albawaba.com
