On Tuesday, March 19th, Amideast hosted a 'ghabga,' a late-night gathering during the month of Ramadan, for YES Bahrain alumni and finalists at the Swiss Belhotel in Manama. At 48 attendees – including five US Embassy representatives, nine finalists, and 29 YES Bahrain alumni – this was the largest YES Bahrain alumni gathering to date.

Deputy Chief of Mission David Brownstein, Public Affairs Officer Linda McMullen, Deputy Public Affairs Officer Nicholas Von Mertens, Education Specialist Samar Hasan, and Public Diplomacy Officer Natasha Ben Kamara attended from the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain.

During the gathering, finalists and YES alumni had the opportunity to engage with Deputy Chief of Mission David Brownstein. The finalists introduced themselves and expressed their excitement about their upcoming program year, while the alumni reflected on their transformative experiences in the U.S. and the personal and professional growth they achieved through the YES program. The alumni also provided insights and advice to the finalists who are set to go on their own journeys soon.