HM King Hamad receives BACA President

Manama, July 19 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received at Safriya Palace today President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa who informed him about projects intended to be inaugurated by BACA this year. He 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. He wished BACA’s President and staff constant success. Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa updated HM the King on progress in the Pear Route project, in Muharraq, which is listed on the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The project is set to be completed by 2021 in conjunction with the international Expo Dubai function which will enable its visitors to explore the rich history of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Shaikha Mai also informed HM the King about the five projects which will be inaugurated by BACA this year, including two projects that are part of the Pearl Route (a pedestrian bridge linking Bu Maher Fort and Halat Bu Maher, which will serve the Pearl Route visitors and completing the restoration of Suq Al Qaysariyah). The projects also include completing the restoration of Al-Fadhel Mosque lighthouse, inaugurating a textile factory in Bani Jamrahn and the sound and light project at Shaikh Salman bin Ahmed Al Fateh Fort in Riffa which tells the history of Al Khalifa family in Bahrain. 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.