Manama : The third edition of the Muharraq Nights Festival officially kicked off on Thursday, 5th December 2024, with activities extending along the Pearling Path, starting from Bu Mahir Seashore and reaching the Pearling Museum, Sayadi Majlis.
The festival’s launch was marked by distinguished official attendance, including Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning; Dr Ramzan bin Abdullah Al Noaimi, Minister of Information; Hamad Yaqoob Al Mahmeed, Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office; Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities; and Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.
The festival coincides with Bahrain’s celebration of its National Day and the anniversary of the accession of His Majesty the King to the throne, alongside accompanying national events. It is organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, with strategic support from GFH Financial Group and the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, as well as partnerships with art galleries, public and private institutions, entrepreneurs, and non-governmental organisations.
On this occasion, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa stated: “The third edition of the Muharraq Nights Festival is a continuous celebration of the city’s rich heritage, from its role in history as Bahrain’s first capital to being the largest pearling economy in the Gulf. The fusion of culture, arts, heritage, and innovation revives the memory of the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage site.” He added: “This distinguished programme coincides with Bahrain’s celebration of its National Day and the anniversary of the accession of His Majesty the King to the throne,” reinforcing the leadership’s vision and wisdom in elevating Muharraq’s status as a regional and global cultural centre, and its ongoing support for cultural projects and infrastructure celebrating the heritage and history of the city.
He further highlighted that this year’s festival has a unique character, offering innovative activities and interactive experiences spanning art, design, crafts, music, and tours. He pointed out that the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities has invested in this festival to make it a comprehensive cultural experience, designed to appeal to audiences of all ages, combining tradition with innovation in a setting that reflects the unique spirit and rich heritage of Muharraq. He expressed his gratitude to all the festival’s supporters, noting: “This collaboration strengthens Bahrain’s role as a model for cooperative efforts in achieving cultural and developmental goals.”
Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions, affirmed that the Muharraq Nights Festival, organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities as part of Celebrate Bahrain 2024, underscores Bahrain’s commitment to enhancing cultural tourism as a key pillar of the National Tourism Strategy (2022–2026).
During the opening ceremony, she highlighted that Bahraini heritage forms the essence of the Kingdom’s national identity. She explained that hosting Muharraq Nights in the historic houses along the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, adds historical and cultural significance to the event. She noted: “These events play a crucial role in elevating Bahrain’s status as a unique cultural destination, showcasing its rich history and distinct national identity, while simultaneously boosting the tourism sector.”
She also praised the efforts of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities in organising the festival, commending its important role in preserving and presenting Bahraini heritage in a way that reflects the Kingdom’s cultural identity. She also stressed the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in organising tourism events, recognising the vital role this plays in the development of the tourism sector in alignment with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.
Further emphasising the significance of cultural events, she noted that Muharraq Nights enriches the visitor experience by providing an opportunity to engage with Bahraini heritage in a unique authentic setting. She also highlighted that the ongoing collaboration between Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities reflects Bahrain’s dedication to the continued growth and development of the tourism sector, contributing to the achievement of the National Tourism Strategy’s objectives.
The festival will continue daily until 30th December, from 5 PM to 10 PM Sunday to Wednesday, and from 5 PM to midnight Thursday to Saturday. Events will be held across various venues along the 3.5-kilometre Pearling Path in the heart of the historic city. For the first time, all the houses along the path will open their doors to the public, showcasing exhibitions and collections that highlight the prosperity of Bahrain’s pearling economy, in an atmosphere of culture and tradition. Visitors will be able to wander through the historic houses, squares, and visitor centres of Muharraq, which is listed within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. This festival promises to be a celebration of creativity, arts, and heritage.
For more details on the festival programme, timings, event locations, parking, and registration for specific events, visit the official Pearling Path website at www.pearlingpath.bh or follow the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities on social media @CultureBah, and the Pearling Path @pearlingpath.
Art and Design
Along the Pearling Path, visitors can enjoy captivating visual experiences in collaboration with artistic institutions like Al Riwaq Art Space, Al Bareh Art Space, and Art Concept. Indoor exhibitions feature works by prominent and emerging Bahraini and international artists. These include innovative creations in painting, photography, and installation art, such as “Art Shutters”, “Competition for Culture”, “Windows of Muharraq”, “Rehan 1 & 2”, “Two Rooms”, and other exhibitions showcasing Bahraini printmaking talents. Additionally, the path will feature open-air art installations that engage more than just the sense of sight, such as “Salmeen Ghanmeen”, “Homage to an Artistic Legacy”, “Installation: Amplified”, and the “Sculpture Garden” at Badr Ghulum and Turabi Houses, as well as “Gold and Pearls” by Miguel Rodriguez.
Crafts
Several houses and venues along the Pearling Path open their doors to showcase Bahrain’s traditional crafts, an important aspect of its intangible cultural heritage. Visitors can explore crafts at Bait Al Naqda, Dar Albanaeen Gypsum & Decorations, Goldsmiths and Jewellers on Bu Mahir Avenue and Suq Al Qaysariyyah Avenue, Depaj Swords Workshop, Al Darwasa Carpentry, Bu Zaboon Antiques, and Kurar House.
Music
Throughout the festival, Muharraq will host performances featuring music from Bahrain and around the world at venues such as Qal’at Bu Mahir, Dar Al Muharraq, Suq Block 216, Suq Barahat Fakhro, Muhammed Bin Faris Music Hall, Suq Block 213, Pearling Path Visitor Centre, and Centre Culturel Franco-Bahreïnien (Maison Jamsheer).
Food
Festival visitors will enjoy a rich culinary experience as they explore the Pearling Path. Specialised food stalls will offer a mix of authentic Bahraini dishes and international flavours, blending traditional recipes with contemporary touches. These food stations aim to provide an exceptional dining experience for all tastes, from local favourites to modern culinary trends. The festival hopes to foster social connections among attendees, with an emphasis on sustaining local ingredients and supporting small businesses.
Children and Activities
The festival’s third edition offers a wide range of activities for all ages. For children, creative workshops such as crafts, collage art, printmaking, and pottery painting will ignite their imagination and connect them to Bahrain’s culture. For adults, the festival includes lectures, seminars, and interactive sessions with thinkers and creators from diverse fields. New to the festival this year is Cinema Akil, the United Arab Emirates’ only independent film cinema, which will present a curated selection of award-winning films from the Arab world and beyond.
Tours
A highlight of this year’s festival is the tours, which offer an engaging blend of heritage exploration and modern activities. The tours include scooter and bike rides along the Pearling Path, as well as tours at Fakhro House, Al Jalahma House, and more. Special tours that combine art, storytelling, and exploration will also be available, including photography walks using FujiFilm Instax cameras, sketching, and night photography tours, as well as storytelling tours of Maritime Tales, the Old City, Merchants and Notables, and Food.
The third edition of the Muharraq Nights Festival promises an unforgettable cultural experience for all, providing a perfect blend of entertainment, education, and creativity for visitors of all ages.
