THE historic Manama Suq came alive yesterday with a series of activities and performances highlighting Bahrain’s heritage, in a bid to promote tourism and celebrate the 92nd Saudi National Day.
The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) launched several events at the suq, such as the 10-day Road to Manama, on the occasion of Saudi National Day which will be marked today.
The celebrations are being held in partnership with Bahrain’s private tourism sector, under the theme ‘Delighted to see you’ at different venues across the kingdom.
“The authority selected Manama Suq as the venue for Saudi National Day celebrations in light of the close historical ties between the kingdoms of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, one of whose pillars is the exchange of trade and civilisations,” BTEA chief executive Dr Nasser Qaedi said in a statement.
“We warmly welcome our Saudi brothers to Bahrain and assure them of a rich programme through which they will enjoy the hospitality and entertainment offered by the Bahraini tourism sector. This will strengthen Bahrain’s position as their first preferred destination.”
Hundreds of people cheered on as a local folk band performed Saudi and Bahraini heritage songs yesterday.
Other activities included a traditional Bahraini game challenge area and a puppet show for children. There are traditionally decorated stands for individuals to snap up pictures and a photography exhibition featuring works of prominent photographers such as Enas Sistani and Ishaq Madan.
The Road to Manama heritage festival will take place every day from 4pm to 8pm, until October 1. It will also feature seminars and workshops designed to introduce children and teenagers to traditional Bahraini crafts.
Workshops for children aged eight to 12 cost BD5, while those aged 13 years and above will be part of the advanced sessions, being organised at the same cost. Registration is mandatory for all workshops at portal.btea.bh/portal.
Meanwhile, events are being held at different venues across the kingdom to mark Saudi National Day. For details, follow @calendar.bh on Instagram.
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