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H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa, Bahrain Culture & Antiquities Authority (BCAA) president, marked her presence at the 9th Awal Theatre Festival inaugural ceremony on 2nd February 2016 at the Cultural Hall. The festival celebrates several riveting shows with seven plays from GCC member states featured on the agenda.

H.E Shaikha Mai wished Awal Theatre continued progress and successes while pointing out that this year's festival titled "Let Bahrain be your destination" reflects Bahrain’s strategy to attract visitors from all over the world as a destination for culture tourism. H.E said, “Let our theater stages, our homes, archaeological sites, museums and festivals welcome and embrace lovers of cultural tourism, a keystone element in building our identity and pride as we promote our culture locally, regionally and internationally.”

The opening speech started with a warm welcome by head of theater actor Abdullah Malek, who greeted the audience and highlighted HRH Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa's continued generous support for the arts and for Bahraini artists, as well as for the 9th Awal Theatre Festival, which has greatly contributed to its success.

The festival has, for the first time, introduced Distinction Awards to be presented by ‎an Arbitration Committee, whose members include a number of artists, such as Dr. Mohammad al-Khozai, actor Jamel al –Motawa, artist Jamal Al-Saqar, artist Youssef Bu Halloul, artist Mohammad Al-Haddad. In addition, a number of Awal Theatre members were honored in the opening night, such as Isa Al-Hamr, Hassan Aoun, artist Ahmad Al-Zayani, artist Jassim Al-Sayegh, artist Ahmad Isa, artist Ahmad Mubarek, Deceased artist Abdullah Bahar, artist Fay Al-Sharqawi, artist Mohammad Saad. A number of guests of honor were also honored in the presence of BACA President and Director of Culture and Arts Department, H.E Shaikha Hala bint Mohammed Al Khalifa. The list of honorees include Mr. Fahmi Al-Jowder, Dr. Jomaa Al-Kaabi, Mr. Khalil Al-Thawadi, Mr. Jamal Fakhro, Dr. Mohammad Al-Khozai, Mr. Abdulwahab Al-Hawwaj, Mr. Mubarek Al-Atawi, Mr. Abdulqader Aqeel, artist Hassan Rajab, artist Maraie Al-Halian, artist Khaleb Al-Shaikh, literature figure and author, Mohammad Abdulamalek, writer Aqeel Siwar, artist Abdulaziz Mandi. The first play shown was “Maqamat Bin Tayeh” produced by Ras-Al Kheima Theater group, UAE.