Hanoi:The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) has inaugurated the Awali Exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum in collaboration with Bapco Energies, Bahrain's integrated energy group.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the opening event was attended by notable figures including Hala Mohamed Jaber Al Ansari, Advisor to His Majesty the King for Cultural and Scientific Affairs; Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Dainah, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs; Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Qatar; and Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of BACA. Also present were officials from the Ministry of Oil and Environment, members of Bapco Energies' executive management, and prominent figures from Bahrain's cultural scene.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of BACA, expressed the significance of the Awali Exhibition, noting that Awali is a notable part of Bahrain's modern history and reflects the country's urban and social development. He emphasized the importance of partnerships that enhance public understanding of Bahrain's history and architectural heritage, praising Bapco Energies for their support in cultural initiatives.
Mark Thomas, Group Chief Executive Officer of Bapco Energies, highlighted the integral role of Awali in Bahrain's modern history and its connection to the development of the Kingdom's oil and energy industry. He stated that the exhibition helps preserve Bahrain's heritage and documents key milestones in the Kingdom's economic and social identity.
The exhibition explores the origins of Awali from the early search for oil in the Jebel Dukhan area and its initial construction stages in 1934. It details Awali's evolution into a planned town with residential areas, workplaces, services, and public facilities, and showcases its innovative approaches to architecture, planning, and infrastructure.
More than 90 years since its construction, Awali continues to thrive, with its historic streets, houses, and community facilities still in use. It serves as a living testament to an important period in Bahrain's modern history and the impact of the oil industry on everyday life in the Kingdom.