Bahrain Celebrates Muharraq as Capital of Islamic Culture for the Arab Region

Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Arad Fort (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Arad Fort (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Bahrain Celebrates Muharraq as Capital of Islamic Culture for the Arab Region

Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Arad Fort (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Arad Fort (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) named Bahraini city of al-Muharraq as the 2018 Capital of Islamic Culture for the Arab region in recognition of its rich culture, heritage and historical importance to the Gulf region as a political, trading and economic center.

Under the patronage of King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Arad Fort in Muharraq will hold a special celebration on Sunday which will be attended by Islamic culture ministers and leading dignitaries.

Muharraq is located on the eastern shore of Bahrain and it was formerly the capital of the country and is considered the home to many architectural landmarks and ancient artifacts that pay testament to its heritage and historical importance. The city is also known as an established center for contemporary and ancient Islamic art.

Following the announcement, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa declared that the recognition of Muharraq for its rich heritage and contemporary and ancient Islamic art sheds light on one of the many hidden cultural gems inside the country.

"Bahrain welcomes all visitors to visit our mix of authentic culture, ancient heritage, traditions and modern infrastructure. We have an exciting diversity of attractions to offer visitors from all around the world," she stated.

One of the most famous landmarks in the city is the Pearling Path, a UNESCO world heritage site and 3.5 kilometers trail which is home to numerous historical buildings, Arad Fort, the house of Sheikh Isa bin Ali, and many other historical buildings that reflect the story of Muharraq.

During 2018, Bahrain’s tradition as a regional destination will be further enhanced with year-long cultural events that will include the hosting of the 2018 UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting.



KSrelief's Masam Project Clears 732 Mines in Yemen in One Week

The KSrelief's Masam project successfully cleared 732 mines from various regions of Yemen during the third week of January 2025. (SPA)
The KSrelief's Masam project successfully cleared 732 mines from various regions of Yemen during the third week of January 2025. (SPA)
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KSrelief's Masam Project Clears 732 Mines in Yemen in One Week

The KSrelief's Masam project successfully cleared 732 mines from various regions of Yemen during the third week of January 2025. (SPA)
The KSrelief's Masam project successfully cleared 732 mines from various regions of Yemen during the third week of January 2025. (SPA)

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) Masam project successfully cleared 732 mines from various regions of Yemen during the third week of January 2025, including 51 anti-tank mines, eight anti-personnel mines, 672 unexploded ordnances, and one explosive device, the Saudi Press Agency said on Monday.
In Aden Governorate, the Masam team removed 154 unexploded ordnances. In Hays District of Al-Hudaydah Governorate, the team cleared one anti-tank mine and one unexploded ordnance. In Lahj Governorate, 44 anti-tank mines and 35 unexploded ordnances were removed in Tuban District, four unexploded ordnances in Al-Wahat District, and two anti-tank mines along with four unexploded ordnances in Al-Madaribah District.
In Marib Governorate, the team cleared 20 unexploded ordnances in Al-Wadi District, and seven anti-personnel mines along with 403 unexploded ordnances in Marib District. In Shabwah Governorate, two unexploded ordnances were removed in Asilan District, and one anti-personnel mine in Bayhan District. In Taiz Governorate, 40 unexploded ordnances were cleared in the Makha District, while four anti-tank mines, eight unexploded ordnances, and one explosive device were removed in the Dhubab District, and one unexploded ordnance was cleared in the Al-Mudhaffar District.
This brings the total number of mines cleared in January to 2,522, while the overall total removed since the launch of the Masam project has reached 478,954.
These mines, scattered indiscriminately across Yemen, continue to endanger the lives of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.