Al-Hammadi: Media, art consolidate patriotic, human values

Information and Parliament Affairs Minister Isa bin Abdulrahman Al-Hammadi stressed the crucial role of media and art in cultivating patriotism, conserving cultural identity, deepening shared communal and human values. 

The minister was speaking on the sidelines of Bahrain’s festival for patriotic songs held on Tuesday evening at the Cultural Hall and attended by more than 1,000 people.

The celebratory festival, oranised by the Ministry of Information Affairs, was also attended by Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed bin Rashid Al-Zayani, and Youth and Sport Minister Hesham bin Mohammed Al-Jowder.

Al-Hammadi took pride in organizing the festival which brought together an elite of Bahrain music stars, along with Bahrain Music Band, led by maestro Khalifa bin Zaman. 

The concert was held as part of festivities marking Bahrain’s National Day and the anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to the throne. 

Al-Hammadi stressed the ministry’s keenness on media coverage of cultural activities and revealing songs and national art events, which stems from a firm belief in its instrumental role in shedding light on Bahrain’s millennia-old history, development strides, urban and economic hard-won achievements and tourism iconic monuments in the prosperous era of HM the King. 

The Foreign Minister hailed the initiative to hold the Bahrain patriotic music festival anew. In a statement to Bahrain News Agency (BNA), he said that the concert delighted the attendees, being one of the best musical events in years. 

Al-Zayani commended the initiative of Al-Hammadi to organize the festival, expressing the hope that such celebratory national events would be repeated. 

Al-Jowder hailed the remarkable organisation of the festival which reflects deep spirit of belonging to Bahrain and strong allegiance to the wise leadership. 

He extended thanks to Al-Hammadi, the organizers and the singers who took part and revisited their repertoire of patriotic songs.

Bahraini singers Ahmed Al-Jumairi, Mohammed Youssef, Mohammed Al-Bakri, Hend, Najma Abdulla, Adel Mahmoud, Hanan Ridha, Walid Jalal, Mohammed Al-Kaabi, Faisal Al-Ansari and Samir Fawni took to the stage and delighted the crowd-packed hall.

The names of the winners in the third edition of poetry competition "Proud Nation" launched by Bahrain Radio as part of its grid of programmes were also announced.