A group of parliamentarians has proposed the setting up of a national cinema museum in Bahrain to celebrate the kingdom’s historic role as one of the earliest adopters of cinema in the Arab world.
The proposal has been submitted by five members of the Strategic Thinking Bloc, led by its president and Parliament financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom, who believes such a museum would attract visitors from around the globe and reinforce Bahrain’s cultural standing.
“Bahrain was the first country in Asia to open a cinema, that’s something the world should know,” said Mr Al Salloom.
“The cinematic journey that began in 1922 is not just our story, it’s part of global cinema history.
The old Awali Cinema
“From early film reels and vintage posters to projection equipment and newspaper clippings, everything related to Bahrain’s cinematic heritage deserves to be preserved and put on display.”
According to the proposal, the museum would showcase a wide array of artefacts including early cinema equipment, promotional materials and film archives, offering visitors an immersive look into Bahrain’s century-long relationship with the silver screen.
“It’s about more than just nostalgia. It’s about recognising the artistic and cultural contributions made by generations of Bahrainis in the field of entertainment and storytelling,” Mr Al Salloom added.
Mr Al Salloom
Bahrain’s first cinema was launched in 1922 by cultural pioneer Mahmoud Al Saati, who transformed a coastal hut near present-day Bahrain Financial Harbour into a makeshift screening hall. The cinema featured a wooden screen and 30 chairs, with admission priced at just two annas. Despite its humble setup, it left a lasting impact and attracted audiences from Manama and nearby cities like Muharraq.
This early experiment was preceded by major societal shifts, including the opening of Bahrain’s first modern school, Al Hidaya Al Khalifya in 1919, and the establishment of the Manama Municipality, both of which helped lay the foundation for a modern cultural and educational environment.
The success of Mr Al Saati’s silent film screenings eventually led to the creation of Bahrain’s first modern cinema house, Cinema Marsah Al Bahrain, which opened on June 29, 1938. Located at the site of today’s Al Hamra Cinema, it became a landmark in Bahrain’s cultural history.
“Bahrain was second only to Egypt in the Arab world in introducing cinema,” said historian and former Shura Council member Dr Mansoor Sarhan, who authored Cinema History in Bahrain.
Dr Sarhan
“This is a rich legacy that should be shared with the world, and the idea of a national museum is absolutely timely, especially as Bahrain is actively working to preserve its cultural identity.”
Dr Sarhan, who has extensively documented the kingdom’s early artistic scene, urged decision-makers to prioritise the preservation of heritage.
“The site of the first cinema is now in a heavily developed area near Bahrain Financial Harbour, so it’s no longer feasible for use,” he explained.
Cinema Marsah Al Bahrain ... the country’s first modern cinema house
“However, there are alternative locations nearby that could serve as the ideal venue for this museum – perhaps even within walking distance of the original site, to retain that historical connection.”
The proposal is now in the hands of Parliament’s services committee, which will assess its feasibility and determine the logistical and financial requirements for bringing the project to life.
The bloc also believes that the museum, if approved, would attract tourism and serve as an educational hub for students, filmmakers and cinema lovers alike.
Ms Al Qattan
“This isn’t just about preserving old film posters,” said Capital Trustees Board vice-chairwoman Khulood Al Qattan.
“It’s about protecting our identity, honouring our pioneers and offering the world a window into a vibrant, often overlooked chapter of Arab cinema history.
“If approved, the Bahrain Cinema Museum could become the first of its kind in the Gulf, positioning the kingdom once again as a cultural trailblazer in the region.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))