The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) underscored the importance of reviving the historical and cultural identity of Muharraq City in a way that reflects the visual unity of its rich urban heritage while integrating creativity and innovation into both heritage and contemporary buildings. The city preserves an outstanding architectural legacy dating back to Bahrain’s pearling era, associated with the UNESCO World Heritage site "Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy". This site encompasses natural, architectural, and urban elements, including historic houses, public spaces, and cultural buildings spanning 3.5 kilometres.
BACA has continued its efforts to develop Muharraq City and strengthen its presence on the global cultural tourism map by safeguarding heritage buildings of historical and architectural value. In cooperation with official entities, restoration works have been completed in 16 heritage buildings. Development works also continue across four main streets, including Shaikh Abdullah Avenue and the extensions of Bu Maher and Tijjar Avenues, while the first phase of development on Shaikh Hamad Avenue was completed in the first quarter of 2025.
On the cultural front, BACA, in collaboration with relevant partners, has launched a wide range of initiatives in Muharraq. At the forefront is the Muharraq Nights Festival, coinciding with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s National Days and the Accession Day of His Majesty the King, alongside other national celebrations. Staged along the Pearling Path, from the Bu Maher shoreline to the Pearl Museum, the festival offers visitors a distinctive tourism experience that bridges heritage and modernity.
As part of the city’s development plan, exhibitions have been organised across historic sites along the Pearling Path, narrating the stories of divers, pearl merchants, and ship captains. At the Pearl Museum – Majlis Siyadi, a curated display showcased some of the oldest pearls from the Bahrain National Museum collection, alongside items from a private collection and archival material from Cartier. Other sites along the path, including the Bu Maher Fort Visitor Centre, Al Ghous House, Al Jalahma House, and the Pearling Path Visitor Centre, hosted diverse exhibitions, while Amarat Fakhro offered a special shopping experience in jewellery and gold. Activities also include cultural tours, training workshops, and a variety of ongoing events.
Virtual Assistant
