Media Center

The art scene of the fourth edition of the Muharraq Nights Festival forms a key pillar of this year’s program, presenting a wide range of visual art exhibitions and providing a platform for exchange among artists from diverse disciplines. Through an array of indoor and outdoor exhibitions and curated art tours, the festival celebrates contemporary artistic expressions, while highlighting the heritage of the historic city, recognised as part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network since 2019.

This year’s edition witnessed an increase in the number of exhibitions, workshops, artistic projects and interactive sessions, reaching wider segments of the community. This was made possible through collaborations with a number of cultural and artistic institutions, including the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, Al Riwaq Art Space, The Art Station, Albareh Art Space, Art Concept, the Centre Culturel Franco-Bahreïnien, Busaad Art Gallery, the Museum of Engraving and Printmaking – Jamal A. Rahim Art Gallery, Muharraq Club, and Bahrain Club.

A variety of art exhibitions were held across different locations in the historic city, featuring diverse mediums and contemporary approaches in painting, photography, and installation art. Key highlights include “Connecting Seas: An Immersive Visual Experience”, which traces the evolution of Bahrain’s connection with the sea over time; and Creative Horizons, an initiative dedicated to supporting local talent. The festival also presents “Muharraq Nights Outcome”, showcasing artworks and creations produced during accompanying workshops, in addition to several other thematic exhibitions.

The Pearling Path further transforms into an open-air gallery through outdoor installations by Albareh Art Space, created by artists Noof Al Refaei, Hussein Al Mohasen, Rawan Al Hosani, Latifa Al Shaikh, Shaikha Dwa bint Khalid Al Khalifa, and Majid Al Yousif.

The festival continues its rich visual offerings with exhibitions such as “The Next Wave”, dedicated to young emerging talents; “Makateeb: The Forgotten Letters”, inspired by messages once linked to pearl divers; and “Material Explorations: Forms of Making”, showcasing works made from recycled and repurposed materials. The project “Organized Chaos” by artists Asma Murad, Shaikha Haya Al Khalifa, and Waleed Al Fadhel offers contemporary visual interpretations of renewal and reclaimed beauty.

The festival also features “Memory of Sport: Muharraq Club & Bahrain Club”, and “100 Years Since the Tab’ah”, which documents the historic Gulf storm. At Sophia Bookstore, “Etchings on Memory Wall” by artist Ohood Al Abbasi is on display, while the Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Centre presents “A History of Pearls”. The Art Station hosts a selection of open exhibitions, and the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research presents “Nedim Draws Writing” by Nedim Kufi, as well as “Islam in the Photo Collection of the Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society”.

At Haneen Treni, the exhibition “From Bahrain’s Heritage: The Art of Crafting Swords & Daggers” is held, while Haneen Sedra showcases a unique collection of heritage pieces and artefacts. Jamsheer House presents “Mahmood Al Saati: A Journey of Sound”, and Bahrain Club hosts an exhibition of the Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa Collection.

Details of activities requiring advance registration are available through the festival’s daily program on the Pearling Path website www.pearlingpath.bh, and via social media @CultureBah and @pearlingpath.
Muharraq Nights Festival continues daily until 30 December, from Sunday to Wednesday between 5 PM and 10 PM, and from Thursday to Saturday between 5 PM and 12 AM, along the UNESCO-listed Pearling Path.