Ministry of Culture's published book documenting world heritage in the Arab countries has swooped a prestigious award in Europe. Titled ‘World Heritage in the Arab Countries”, the publication has been awarded the Best Book Prize2012, annually awarded in Europe, following a fierce competition. The jury featured previous award laureates, prominent personalities and renowned teachers specialized in graphics art.
Bahrain Bay has exclusively partnered with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the Bahrain Ministry of Culture to create the first international publication to showcase every Arab heritage site recognized by the. The book, ‘World Heritage in Arab Countries’, has been distributed through UNESCO’s entire global network and has focused global attention on the Kingdom of Bahrain and the region’s culture credentials. The Ministry Culture cooperated with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA) in publishing the book. The “World Heritage in the Arab Countries” has been sponsored by Bahrain Bay, one of the major development projects in Bahrain.
The development scheme is being spearheaded by Arcapita Chief Executive Officer and chairman of Bahrain Bay Atef Abdulmalak.
it is worth mentioning that Culture Minister, Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, former chairperson of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, launched the book on June 23, 2011 at the Paris-based UNESCO, in the presence of a selection of Arab and foreign [personalities, world-renowned archaeologists, directors of major cultural institutions, decisions-makers, diplomats and journalists.
The publication is a collection of the 66 Arab sites that have been bestowed the title of having ‘Outstanding Universal Value’ on the World Heritage list. It brings together landmark images of each site taken by the renowned French photographer John Gilbert and features multi-lingual descriptions written by ALECSO (Arab League Education, Cultural, and Scientific Organisation). The Kingdom of Bahrain has managed to not only attract its attention, but by implementing a series of important heritage-based culture schemes, create a burgeoning relationship which shows no signs of slowing down. The Book includes World Heritage Site, Qala'at Al-Bahrain, Capital of Dilmun and its Ancient Port.
H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, Minister of Culture, expressed her high appreciation and gratitude for this prestigious award, which coroneted Bahrain's strenuous efforts deployed during a decade. The prize is a result of Archaeology Conference in the Arab World recommendations concerning the implementation of World Heritage Convention in the Arab Countries, and promoting Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites in these countries.
Francesco Bandarin, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Culture, speaking at the occasion praised Bahrain efforts to protect and preserve heritage and its collaboration with World Heritage Committee. Mr. Bandarin also praised Bahrain's keenness to register heritage sites on World Heritage List, arguing that " Qala'at al Bahrain site is an ideal site" which could form a basis to launch a new series of sites, " especially that of the Museum, which has a strategic location, an design and an exceptional modernity"
