Manama: His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, inaugurated the Manama Municipality building following its renovation. The event aligns with the Royal directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to preserve Bahrain's historical and cultural identity, redevelop Manama Souq's historical area, and safeguard its heritage.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the building was initially inaugurated in 1962 by the late HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. His Royal Highness emphasized Bahrain's extensive municipal experience, spanning over a century, enhancing urban development and public services. He noted that the Kingdom's expertise has strengthened municipal work in line with comprehensive development led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
His Royal Highness highlighted that the Manama Municipality, established in 1919 during the reign of the late HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, was among the first municipalities in the region and has become a significant institutional landmark. The renovation of the building signifies the Kingdom's commitment to preserving historical landmarks and enhancing the Municipality's readiness to fulfill its role.
His Royal Highness stressed the importance of developing municipal work to improve services and keeping pace with sustainable urbanization. He expressed gratitude for citizens' contributions across various sectors, affirming their role as the cornerstone of the Kingdom's development, and extended appreciation to the Municipal Affairs workforce.
During the tour of the renovated building, His Royal Highness was briefed on its facilities and development and viewed an exhibition on the history of the Manama Municipality.
His Excellency Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, expressed gratitude for the inauguration, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to heritage preservation and municipal advancement. He noted Manama's pioneering role since 1919 in administrative development and urban services.
HE Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, affirmed that the renovation, directed by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, contributes to documenting more than a century of municipal work in Bahrain. Restoring the building enhances efforts to preserve Manama's architectural and historical memory.
His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Minister of the Prime Minister's, and several senior officials attended the meeting.