Rich national heritage

TDT | Manama

Five major cultural projects will be inaugurated by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) this year, it has emerged. This was revealed yesterday as His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received at Safriya Palace BACA president Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, who updated HM the King on latest developments.

Two of the projects are part of the Pearl Route, including a pedestrian bridge linking Bu Maher Fort and Halat Bu Maher which will serve Pearl Route visitors, and the restoration of Suq Al Qaysariyah. The Pearl Route, in Muharraq, is listed on the World Heritage List of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.

It is set to be completed by 2021 in conjunction with Expo Dubai, which will enable its visitors to explore the rich history of the Kingdom. The other projects to be completed include the restoration of Al Fadhel Mosque lighthouse, inaugurating a textile factory in Bani Jamrah, and the soundand-light project at Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort in Riffa, which tells the history of the Al Khalifa family in Bahrain.

HM the King praised the efforts of BACA in preserving the national heritage and the Kingdom’s civilisational and cultural landmarks, as well as enriching the cultural and literary movement. HM the King wished BACA’s president and staff constant success.

Also during the meeting, Shaikha Mai dedicated to HM the King the “Manufactured Culture” artwork of Rashid Ahmed Al Arifi, who was among the winners this year in the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition. The artwork reflects the importance of the Kingdom of Bahrain as a main hub for natural pearls.