Bahrain Heritage Tour: A Milestone in Bahrain-France Cultural Collaboration

Bahrain-France Partnership Brings History to Life

Mahir Haneef

TDT| Manama

The Bahrain Heritage Tour celebrated a landmark moment in Bahrain-France cultural relations with a special event held at the French Residence on Thursday.

Hosted by H.E. Eric Giraud-Telme, Ambassador of France to Bahrain, the evening marked the remarkable success of the innovative exhibition that has travelled across Bahrain over the past two weeks. Among those in attendance was Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), alongside a host of contributors who brought the project to life.

Cultural Innovation

Launched on November 10th, the Bahrain Heritage Tour introduces an engaging augmented reality experience, showcasing 3D scans of artefacts uncovered in Bahrain's UNESCO-listed burial mounds. Through this high-tech lens, the travelling exhibition bridges Bahrain's rich historical legacy with cutting-edge digital innovation, offering local communities, particularly younger generations, a new way to connect with their cultural heritage. 

Scheduled to conclude on November 23rd, the exhibition's stops and timings have been widely shared through BACA's website and social media, ensuring accessibility for all. Highlights of the final day include displays at Abu Saiba Tylos Mounds (10:30 AM–12 PM) and Al Riwaq Art Space (4 PM–6 PM), both open to the public free of charge.

Collaborative Triumph

During his remarks, H.E. Ambassador Giraud-Telme lauded the enthusiastic reception of the exhibition, which has drawn a diverse audience of students, residents, and archaeology enthusiasts across Bahrain. “I'm truly amazed by the success of this travelling exhibition. It has ignited curiosity and renewed appreciation for Bahrain's cultural heritage in all communities,” he said. 

The event brought together key figures instrumental in the tour’s success. H.E. Ambassador Giraud-Telme commended BACA’s leadership and Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa’s vision in driving this initiative forward. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Julien Cuny, curator at the Louvre and head of the French Archaeological Mission, for his scientific expertise, as well as to the Arab Regional Center for World Heritage and corporate partner GPIC, represented by Deputy CEO Mr. Adnan Al Mahmood, for their vital support.

The involvement of Bahraini school principals, local archaeologists, IT experts, guides, and volunteers also received high praise. Among the evening’s highlights was the recognition of University of Bahrain students who contributed their time and talents to the project. As a reward for their efforts, two outstanding students will receive scholarships to attend a summer school on cultural mediation in France in 2025, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to nurturing local expertise.

Future Opportunities

Reflecting on the tour’s success, H.E. Ambassador Giraud-Telme emphasised the importance of building on this momentum. “Let’s build on this inspiring and promising success,” he urged, pledging continued collaboration with BACA to give Bahrain’s history the global spotlight it deserves.

H.E. the Ambassador also reaffirmed France’s dedication to deepening cultural and scientific ties with Bahrain. This commitment is exemplified by the ongoing French Archaeological Mission, active in Bahrain since 1977, and the loan of 70 Bahraini artefacts to the Louvre Museum in Paris, where they have been on display since 2022.

The Bahrain Heritage Tour stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between Bahrain and France, blending innovation with heritage to inspire a new generation and deepen cultural understanding.