Media Center

H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities was honored by  the Arab Tourism Media Centre at its 11th session, during which it  has announced the list of winners during its participation in the Berlin Tourism Exhibition, on the sidelines of the 53rd  International Travel Market Fair ITB Berlin. H.E was named “Arab Heritage Personality 2019”, the most prestigious award granted by the Arab Centre for Tourism Media to personalities who contributed substantially to preserving the cultural components in their countries and the Arab world. The event came during H.E’s participation in the 53rd  edition of ITB Berlin,  taking place at Messe Berlin from March 6 to 10, where exhibitors from more than 180 countries and regions have descended on the German capital for one of the largest travel tourism  trade.

The choice, according to the press conference by ACTM President,  Dr. Sultan Al Yahyai, who conferred the title on H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities  and 2017 Special Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism,  in the presence of renowned international personalities in the media field and Ministers of Tourism participating in the exhibition,  was hailed by all given the outstanding role played by H.E in achieving the sustainable development goals and the great respect she enjoys at the international level. The audience also stressed appreciation and support to ACTM for its professionalism and tireless efforts to develop the tourism media field in the Arab world. H.E Shaikha Mai Al-Khalifa is one of the most deserving of this title because of her unlimited contributions to attention to development programs and implementation of plans aimed at achieving sustainable development. She is keen to activate the policy of cultural exchange and dialogue of civilizations and actively participate in conferences and forums. The cultural investment project, coinciding with the adoption by the United Nations of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, has recently been launched and is always dedicated to protecting and promoting the human cultural heritage and its investment in culture, through many historical landmarks, Shaikh Ebrahim Center for Culture & Research, financed by private banking corporation Arcapita, as part of “ Invest in Culture” strategy, as well as the  restoration of many historical houses, all contributing to tourist attraction that emphasizes national identity. Indeed, Bahrain  has never stopped to surprise the world through its urban, cultural and development projects, leading to the organization of  major Arab and world-wide events. Dream has come true putting Bahrain on the right path locally and internationally can be seen in all fields and areas, and not only culture and arts.
 

Since the launch of the Center in 2012, this prestigious award received a prestigious list of leading names in the Arab world, including Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, ruler of Sharjah, and in 2014, Abdul-Aziz Othman Altuwaijri, Director General of Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) In 2015, Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan and in 2017 Abdul Aziz Bin Mohammed Al Rawas Sultan Sultan Qaboos Cultural Affairs Advisor and in 2018, Princess Dana Firas, President of the Petra National Conservation Assembly and the UNESCO Ambassador to the Intent. For the welfare of cultural heritage. Worth to mention that the ACTM is led by Dr. Sultan Al Yahyai and is considered one of most famous Arab media centers, participating in major Arab and international events and include more than 240 members, mainly journalists, media figures and specialists in tourism sector in the Arab world. These members vote for the best candidates for  Oscar Tourist Information Awards.  In 2008, the Oscar Tourist Information Awards launched in Egypt took part in the electronic voice of over 3 million people in 2008, while more than 100 personalities competed from 15 Arab countries this year. The award main objective is bringing support to tourism sector and heritage revival in the Arab countries, shedding lights through media coverage, on cities witnessing remarkable cultural tourism development.