A national cultural festival that could transform the historic village of A’ali into a vibrant hub of heritage, light and creativity may be launched as early as this year.
It follows the submission of a proposal to the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca).
The initiative, dubbed ‘A’ali Lights’, is the brainchild of A’ali Social Charity Society chairman Aqeel Al A’ali, who envisions a large-scale community festival inspired by the success of popular cultural events such as Muharraq Nights and Hawa Al Manama.
A’ali holds a unique place on Bahrain’s cultural map. It sits at the heart of the Dilmun Burial Mounds Unesco World Heritage Site, which comprises 11,774 burial mounds spread across 21 locations in the kingdom’s western region – including 17 royal mounds built as towering, two-storey sepulchral structures resembling small ziggurats.
The village is also renowned as the home of Bahrain’s traditional pottery industry.
Under the proposal, A’ali would serve as a key entry point for visitors exploring one of the most remarkable archaeological landscapes in the region. Plans by Baca to establish a dedicated Dilmun museum in the heart of the village are expected to further strengthen its appeal as a cultural destination.
“A’ali has extraordinary cultural wealth that deserves to be presented in a modern, engaging way,” said Mr Al A’ali. “The Dilmun burial mounds are among the most distinctive archaeological sites in the world, and the village itself carries living traditions that continue to this day.”
Archaeological studies show that the burial mounds were originally constructed as cylindrical stone towers and gradually covered by earth over centuries due to natural erosion. They offer rare insight into the funeral customs, social hierarchy and architectural sophistication of the Dilmun civilisation, which once positioned Bahrain as a vital trade hub linking Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley and the Arabian Peninsula.
Mr Al A’ali said timing would be crucial to the festival’s success. “I don’t think we can realistically pull it off after Eid Al Fitr in March,” he explained. “Then there is Haj, Ashoora and the summer holidays before schools and universities reopen, which makes the calendar very tight.”
With 2026 being a national elections year, he believes the most suitable window would be late November or early December, ahead of Muharraq Nights.
“The weather is pleasant, the atmosphere is right – and so would be A’ali Lights,” he said. “With accompanying activities, programmes and creative schemes, this becomes an attractive option.”
The festival would also offer economic opportunities, particularly for young Bahrainis. “It would be a chance for young entrepreneurs to showcase their products and ideas in a heritage setting,” Mr Al A’ali added. “Culture can be a driver for both community pride and sustainable income.”
The proposal has gained political backing, including support from Parliament’s first deputy speaker and area MP Abdulnabi Salman.
“A’ali represents a national treasure, and initiatives like this can raise awareness of its global importance while benefiting local residents,” he said.
Area councillor Abdulla Ashoor also welcomed the idea, describing it as a ‘long-overdue’ platform for the village. “A’ali has all the ingredients for a successful
cultural festival – history, craftsmanship and community spirit,” he said.
If approved, A’ali Lights could soon add a new glow to Bahrain’s cultural calendar – illuminating the past while creating fresh opportunities for the future.
The GDN reported that the fourth edition of the Muharraq Nights Festival featured more than 1,300 cultural activities and musical performances.
Organised by the 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.
And, last month’s Hawa Al Manama festival ended on January 17 following a two-day extension due to its popularity and strong turnout.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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