October 5, Manama (BNA): Reviving Muharraq City’s historical and cultural identity in a way that reflects the visual unity of its rich urban heritage while incorporating creativity and innovation into both heritage and modern buildings is crucial, according to the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA). The UNESCO World Heritage site “Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy” recognizes the city’s exceptional architectural legacy from Bahrain’s pearling history. This 3.5-kilometer site includes historic homes, public areas, and cultural structures in addition to natural, architectural, and urban features.
BACA completes restoration of 16 heritage buildings
By preserving historically and architecturally significant heritage structures, BACA has persisted in its efforts to advance Muharraq City and bolster its position on the map of the world’s cultural tourism. Restorations have been finished in 16 historic structures in collaboration with government agencies. While the first phase of development on Shaikh Hamad Avenue was finished in the first quarter of 2025, construction is still ongoing on four major roadways, including Shaikh Abdullah Avenue and the extensions of Bu Maher and Tijjar Avenues.
In Muharraq, BACA has started a variety of cultural projects in partnership with pertinent parties. The main event is the Muharraq Nights Festival, which takes place in conjunction with other national holidays and the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Days and His Majesty the King’s Accession Day. The festival, which is held along the Pearling Path between the Pearl Museum and the Bu Maher coastline, provides tourists with a unique travel experience that unites tradition and contemporary.
Exhibitions telling the tales of divers, pearl traders, and ship captains have been set up at several historic locations along the Pearling Path as part of the city’s development plan. Some of the earliest pearls from the Bahrain National Museum collection were on display at the Pearl Museum – Majlis Siyadi, together with artifacts from a private collection and Cartier archive materials. While Amarat Fakhro provided a unique jewelry and gold purchasing experience, other locations along the route, such as the Pearling Path Visitor Center, Al Ghous House, Al Jalahma House, and the Bu Maher Fort Visitor Center, presented a variety of exhibitions. Cultural tours, training sessions, and other current events are also included in the activities.
