Manama as the Capital of Arab Culture

 Manama has been announced at the Cultural Capital of the Arab World for 2012.  It is the first time Manama has been selected for this honour since the initiative was launched by the Arab League in 1996, as part of UNESCO's cultural capitals programme.  The Arab Capital of Culture is an initiative taken by the Arab League under the UNESCO   to promote and celebrate Arab culture and encourage cooperation in the Arab region.

Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa,  Culture Minister, announced a broad raft of programmes and events that will be held throughout year to celebrate the Bahraini capital, Manama, as Cultural Capital of the Arab World 2012.

 A show was held recently to mark the official opening of ‘Manama, Capital of Arab Culture 2012’ and the event included a performance entitled ‘Path of Pearls’. Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of Bahrain Defence Force Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the show and expressed his pride indicating that it is an honour for the Kingdom which reflects its cultural, historical and modern outlook of the people of Bahrain over the centuries. He also expressed thanks and appreciation to Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa and all ministry employees for their efforts in celebrating ‘Manama as the Capital of Arab Culture’ this year. He also appreciated the outstanding artistic performance that projected the Bahraini heritage and the spirit of clinging on to hope in making Bahrain the pearl of the Gulf.

The nationwide events will be held throughout the year and will focus on Bahraini theatre, art, architecture, fashion, heritage, poetry and writing, film, music, environment and the renovation of infrastructure. The celebrations will coincide with ongoing renovation projects that will see some of Bahrain's historical sites being restored to their former glory.