Walkathon marks 20 years of Bahrain’s heritage status

The Northern Governorate, in cooperation with the French Embassy, organised today’s “Archaeology Walkathon”, a five-kilometre cultural event designed to highlight Bahrain’s archaeological significance and promote public engagement with key heritage sites. Participants assembled at Qal’at Al Bahrain, where Dr Salman Ahmed Ibrahim Al Mahari, Director General of Antiquities, delivered opening remarks emphasising the importance of safeguarding Bahrain’s historic landscape and expanding public awareness of its cultural depth. French Ambassador to Bahrain Éric Giraud addressed attendees immediately afterwards, reaffirming his strong personal interest in the Kingdom’s archaeological sites.

Genuine treasures

In an interview with the Daily Tribune, he described these locations as “genuine treasures”, noting that since arriving in Bahrain two years ago, he has developed a deep appreciation for exploring them. He added that today’s walk coincides with the 20th anniversary of Qal’at Al Bahrain’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and highlighted 50 years of uninterrupted French–Bahraini archaeological collaboration, a partnership that has produced significant discoveries and reinforced global understanding of Bahrain’s ancient civilisations. Ambassador Giraud also shared a light personal detail, mentioning his weekly enjoyment of Bahraini tikka.

Guided tours

Two groups — Arabic-speaking and English-speaking — departed on parallel guided tours. The route began with an overview of Qal’at Al Bahrain’s layered historical narrative, before continuing through the agricultural areas surrounding Al Qalah village. Participants then visited a natural spring in Hillat Abdul Saleh, once a source of freshwater but now affected by salinity. A brief stop in Al Maqsha offered refreshments, including karak, before the groups proceeded to Al Hajar and Abu Saiba, where guides outlined the significance of the ancient burial mounds and the tradition of burying valuable personal items with the deceased in belief of an afterlife.

Traditional food

The walk concluded at the Abu Saiba archaeological zone, where participants were served traditional food such as chickpeas, milk tea, baqsam, and dates. Buses then transported attendees back to Qal’at Al Bahrain. Today’s walkathon reinforced ongoing national efforts to strengthen public connection with Bahrain’s archaeological heritage, while underscoring the depth and continuity of the scientific partnership