27 November 2021
Bahrain National Day Celebrations at Dubai Expo 2020
The Kingdom of Bahrain celebrated its National Day at Dubai Expo 2020 on 25 November 2021, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, May Allah Protect Him.
Bahrain’s National Day festive events at Dubai Expo 2020 concluded a range of activities to raise awareness about the kingdom’s rich culture and a promising business-friendly environment during Bahrain National Week, which ran until 27 November.
The events toured the different parts of the Dubai 2020 Expo, UAE, not simply the ‘Opportunity District’ where it is located, but also the famous Al Wasl Plaza's dome in the middle of the Expo.
The Bahrain Pavilion's National Day events featured “Bahraini Pearls” exhibition, which will run until 29 November, showcasing acquisitions and glamorous unique pearl jewelry designed by the best pioneering pearl traders in Bahrain, namely Al-Mahmoud Pearls, Matar Jewelry and Al-Fardan jewelry. Indeed, the exhibition is part of general topic of the pavilion, titled “The Sea”, displaying objects related to pearling industry that is so anchored din the Bahrain history. Moreover, the “Sea” theme reflects Bahrain’s rich maritime culture and includes a large-scale collaborative installation “What She Sees” by Bahrain-based designer Mhairie Boyle in collaboration with the weavers of Bani Jamrah, as well as six weaver apprentices. The installation refers to the sailing heritage of Bahrain through a series of 30 sails that are spread between the columns of the pavilion, revealing the hidden geometry of the space. The sails are woven by hand in one of the oldest weaving centers in the Gulf and naturally dyed with different components of the sea and coastal areas, from different kinds of seaweed, to palms and dates, revealing the natural composition of the coastal landscapes of Bahrain. In fact, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities collaborated with DANAT, Bahrain’s Institute for Pearls and Gemstones, on the opening exhibition held at the Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The exhibition introduces the world to the story of Bahrain in relation to the sea and its most sought after gem, the pearl. Pearls from Bahrain were recognized as the world’s finest, exceptional in their luster, color, size, and quantity. For the first time, DANAT relocated its world-renowned lab for two months, inviting a global audience to experience Bahrain’s pearling legacy through the testing technology that differentiates between natural and cultured pearls.
Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Kingdom of Bahrain was also present at Bahrain nation al pavilion at this global major event via the Qalali Folklore Band, performing Fijri Art, which is an integral part of the Pearling profession and one of the most important intangible heritage components for Muharraq. The ancient stories and tales of divers and sailors during their months-long pearling voyages at sea were told through the traditional music and “Al-Sout Art”. The Bahrain Police Band is a spectacular uniformed marching band also toured and animated Al-Wasl dome.
In addition, the famous Al-Wasl dome plaza hosted “Across History” exhibition, a pioneering audiovisual experience by Artists in Motion Company, in a collaborative project between Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB). The show tells the story and history of Bahrain since ancient Dilmun times until present day and its special unique civilizational assets and characteristics.
The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) has also hosted “Invest in Bahrain” business forum at Expo 2020 Dubai. The dedicated event introduced investors to the Kingdom’s competitive advantages and business friendly environment, in line with the recently announced Economic Recovery Plan, which is based on five pillars, including the facilitation of commercial procedures to enhance the business environment and attract direct investment. The forum introduced investors to the numerous investment opportunities and highlighted how companies operating in Bahrain can access the $1.4 trillion regional market. Bahrain’s economy is the one of the most diversified in the GCC, with strengths in the financial services, ICT, manufacturing and logistics sectors. Bahrain’s agile business environment along with the pro-innovation and forward-thinking regulations have allowed businesses to thrive.
The forum was part of Bahrain National Week at Expo2020 Dubai and included a series of business meetings with key stakeholders from Bahrain and leading companies from regional and global markets across various sectors. Investors also learned about the new strategic projects plan, which aims to drive investment, advance infrastructure, create jobs, and boost economic growth. Bahrain has also announced several key initiatives furthering growth and diversification, including new plans for the tourism and logistics sectors, the announcement of the fastest global Sea-to-Air logistics hub and a number of MOUs with the UAE.
