17th Bahrain International Book Fair to start on Thursday

Manama : Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Bahrain International Book Fair returns once again in its 17th edition with fresh titles and new publications from over 350 publishing houses covering a wide range of topics, interests, and age groups.

The book fair will be organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). The fair runs from March 24 – April 3 and features a wide range of side events, from the special awards ceremonies and book signings and launches, to lectures, film screenings, and music concerts, as well as fun kids activities.

This year's guest of honor is the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a nation with a deep-rooted and rich cultural tapestry, Jordan’s Ministry of Culture prepared an integrated cultural programme in coordination with the BACA, that includes literature, cinema, art, music, media and history, among others to showcase and immerse one’s self in the unique Jordanian cultural identity.

BACA's Pavilion at the book fair will host daily book signings by a number of noted writers, authors, and intellectuals from Bahrain and the wider Arab world.

Taking place as part of the book fair, the Culture Awards feature three categories to showcase the many facets of cultural achievement, and they are the Bahrain Book Award, Mohammed Al-Banki Cultural Personality of the Year, and Pearl of Bahrain Award.

Launched in 2011, the Bahrain Book Award this year is held under theme "Archaeological Consciousness and Memories of Homelands" and is dedicated to the best original scientific research by authors and researchers from Jordan and Palestine.

Mohammed Al-Banki Cultural Personality of the Year Award, in memory of noted intellectual and critic Mohammed Al-Banki, the award honours leading intellectual, researcher, author, or artist from the Arab world who made significant contributions in the cultural arena.

Pearl of Bahrain Award is dedicated to the contributions of Shaikha Lulwa bint Mohammed Al Khalifa in the field of social work, the Pearl of Bahrain Award will be officially launched at this year’s fair and the first winner will be announced in the next edition to be held in 2018.

There will be Kinds Corner as an opportunity for the young visitors of the fair to be filled with wonder through a full programme of enriching workshops and activities. 
Presented by Sard Child’s Cultural House, the program revolves around the theme of "The Paper" as a focal point from which to explore the world around, hone their skills, and expand their minds in a fun and interactive way.