03 February 2026
President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities Awarded the Order of the Star of Italy
The Italian Republic has awarded Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the Order of the Star of Italy.
The honour was conferred during a ceremony organised by the Italian Embassy at the residence of H.E. Andrea Catalano, Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Kingdom of Bahrain, who bestowed the decoration on behalf of the President of the Italian Republic. The award recognises Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa’s distinguished contributions and his effective role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries through initiatives spanning the arts, music, design, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The ceremony was attended by members of the diplomatic corps, ambassadors, dignitaries, and a number of prominent figures.
On this occasion, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa stated: “Receiving this prestigious order is a source of pride and honour. It reflects the depth of the partnership and the strong ties between our two countries, and serves as an incentive to further intensify efforts to deepen and expand areas of cooperation. This will contribute to enhancing cultural and civilisational relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Italian Republic, and to supporting pathways of cultural development and sustainable cooperation”. He also expressed his gratitude to the Italian Republic and to the Italian Ambassador for his close cooperation in promoting cultural exchange between the two friendly countries and expanding opportunities for joint collaboration.
For his part, H.E. Ambassador Andrea Catalano affirmed that the award recognises the outstanding efforts undertaken by the President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities in advancing frameworks of cooperation and consolidating strategic partnerships. He noted that the order embodies the Italian Government’s appreciation of Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa’s pivotal and productive role in supporting mutual interests in the cultural field and in fostering bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Order of the Star of Italy is among the Italian Republic’s highest civilian honours, awarded to distinguished individuals who contribute to strengthening friendship and enhancing cooperation with Italy across various fields.
