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H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA) received on 14 March 2017, the Minister of Works, Municipality Affairs and Urban Planning Dr. Esam Khalaf, in the presence of staff members of BACA and the Ministry of Works. H.E underlined the need for integrated roles and concerted efforts to preserve Bahrain's cultural and civilizational achievements through various projects. The meeting also discussed common cooperation measures aimed at promoting Bahrain as a pioneering destination for cultural tourism.

H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al- Khalifa welcomed Planning Dr. Esam Khalaf, lauding the strenuous efforts of his ministry to implement and carry out Bahrain’s cultural infrastructure projects. H.E praised the cooperation efforts between BACA and the Works Ministry in this respect, thanking the Minister of Works, Municipality Affairs and Urban Planning for his contribution to upgrading Bahrain's cultural infrastructure. H.E stressed the need and importance of communication between the different sectors in order to help in promoting comprehensive coordination between Bahrain’s institutions. Such constructive work would lead to successful organization of all activities and events contributing to making Bahrain an exceptional and unique destination in the region.

The meeting discussions focused on enhancing cooperation to preserve Bahrain's glorious urban architectural heritage, and the need for concerted efforts to promote the national identity through various projects. It also reviewed and followed up the progress of work on the Pearling: Testimony of an Island Economy”, pearl trail which features on the UNESCO World Heritage List, in addition to Manama Municipality building. Muharraq parking lots, public spaces and the beautification of building facades over 3 kilometers in Muharraq. The iconic route, which is scheduled to be complete in 2018, will be a key milestone of Muharraq, celebrated as Capital of Islamic Culture in 2018. The area surrounding the National Theater and the works undergone stressed the importance of keeping the pace around the most iconic cultural aspect of Bahrain.

H.E Esam Khalaf, Minister of Works, for his part lauded the strenuous efforts deployed by BACA to make Bahrain a pioneering cultural hub and preferred destination, voicing his readiness to cooperate with the Authority with regard to future cultural projects.