Aali Lights: Heritage festival to illuminate historic village

TDT | Manama

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Plans for a new national festival, ‘Aali Lights’, have been submitted to the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, aiming to make the historic village a hub for heritage events and evening light installations.

The proposal comes from Aqeel Al Aali, head of the Aali Charity Society, who envisions a large community festival inspired by ‘Muharraq Nights’ and ‘Hawa Al Manama’.

Aali, part of the Dilmun Burial Mounds UNESCO World Heritage site, features 11,774 mounds across 21 locations, including 17 royal mounds built like two-storey ziggurat-style structures. The village is also known for traditional pottery, still practiced by local workshops.

Under the plan, Aali would serve as a starting point for visitors exploring the mounds and nearby sites, supported by the upcoming Dilmun civilisation museum.

“Aali has exceptional cultural wealth that deserves to be presented in a modern and engaging way,” Al Aali said. “The village preserves living traditions while its archaeological sites are globally distinctive.”

He suggested late November or early December 2026, before Muharraq Nights, as ideal timing, adding the festival would give young entrepreneurs a platform to showcase products and ideas.

The proposal has support from Abdulnabi Salman, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, who said the festival would highlight Aali’s global importance and benefit local residents. Municipal councillor Abdulla Ashour also welcomed the idea, calling it a “long-awaited platform” for the village’s culture, crafts and community spirit.