A ROBUST regulatory framework has been drawn up to protect Bahrain’s cultural legacy, said a top minister.
Information Affairs Minister Dr Ramzan Al Nuaimi, who is politically responsible for the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), also said a scientific and consultative approach was being used to identifying heritage areas.
In addition, the authority was actively promoting culturally appropriate investments to breathe new life into heritage sites.
“In recent years, Baca has launched several pioneering initiatives aimed at converting historical buildings into hubs for creative industries and tourism,” said the minister, in response to a question by Parliament’s legislative and legal affairs committee vice-chairman Ali Al Dossary.
The initiatives included:
1. A heritage investment benefits plan under study to encourage private sector participation while respecting heritage values.
2. The heritage buildings investment system launched via open calls for cultural and creative sector professionals to occupy heritage buildings along the Pearling Path World Heritage Site. Several of these were inaugurated during the 2024 Muharraq Nights Festival.
3. Developing the Qala’a Neighbourhood Project, which will restore homes adjacent to Bahrain Fort, a Unesco World Heritage Site. These transitional-era buildings will be preserved and adapted for cultural and commercial use.
“We are working through Baca to ensure that our heritage sites remain protected and vibrant contributors to our national economy,” said Dr Al Nuaimi.
He will appear at today’s extraordinary Parliament session to respond to any further queries from MPs.
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