The fourth edition of the Muharraq Nights Festival wrapped up on Tuesday after a month-long celebration featuring more than 1,300 cultural activities and musical performances.
Organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) along the 3.5km Pearling Path, the festival spanned from the Bu Maher shoreline to the Siyadi Majlis.
The event featured more than 560 cultural activities, including art exhibitions, guided tours and interactive workshops, alongside 800 musical performances.
Information Minister Dr Ramzan Al Nuaimi yesterday said His Majesty King Hamad’s remarks are a source of pride for professionals working in the national media sector and reflect the confidence placed by the King in the media as a partner in conveying national events, highlighting cultural initiatives and presenting Bahrain’s image domestically and internationally with professionalism and responsibility.
His Majesty had expressed his admiration for Muharraq and its people, commending their efforts to showcase the city’s deep-rooted civilisation and rich heritage through the festival.
Dr Al Nuaimi noted that the ministry will continue to carry out its responsibilities in line with the vision of His Majesty and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with a focus on reinforcing national identity and preserving established values in the coverage of cultural and national events.
Baca president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa also expressed his gratitude to His Majesty for his commendations and to HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for his directives that supported the success of the festival.
“This recognition is a source of pride and renewed motivation to continue working with greater determination to enrich the national cultural scene,” said Shaikh Khalifa.
“It also represents a responsibility to further establish the festival as a vibrant national platform rooted in identity and closely connected to the community.”
He added that the event reflects the authenticity of Bahrain and the rich history of Muharraq, while reconnecting generations with their living heritage and enduring values.
“Projects and initiatives aimed at revitalising Muharraq play a vital role in preserving its heritage as a cornerstone of cultural and national development,” he said.
“Baca will continue to strengthen this cultural pathway in ways that reinforce belonging, pride and loyalty among citizens and visitors.”
Shaikh Khalifa stated that the festival provided a platform to support entrepreneurs, musicians, artists and artisans by offering opportunities to showcase their work and engage directly with audiences. He noted that this contributes to supporting the cultural economy and enhancing the sustainability of the creative sector.
He thanked the people of Muharraq for their co-operation, which he said played a vital role in the event’s success, and underscored the importance of partnership between the public and private sectors.
Muharraq Nights has become a flagship cultural event celebrating the island’s history, crafts, music and cuisine. The festival attracted thousands of visitors and played a key role in reviving traditional areas through creative, community-driven projects.
Following its remarkable success, the GDN reported that a proposal to extend the festival was put forward by Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk. He said there is a clear demand for high-quality cultural and heritage experiences, and that the festival’s popularity justifies extending it beyond its current December 30 end date. He emphasised that an extension would enable more residents and visitors to enjoy the event while further supporting local businesses and artisans.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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