52nd Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition opens at Bahrain National Museum

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Manama: On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa today inaugurated the 52nd edition of the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum.

During the opening, His Highness emphasised that art reflects national identity and celebrates cultural diversity, stressing that the continued growth of Bahrain’s art sector is driven by the steadfast support of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He highlighted Bahrain’s long-standing creative heritage and the achievements of Bahraini artists whose work continues to represent the Kingdom regionally and internationally.

His Highness toured the exhibition, which features works by around 74 visual artists spanning diverse schools, styles and media, including multimedia installations, video art, photography, sculpture and contemporary drawing. He also commended participating artists for their contribution to strengthening Bahrain’s cultural and artistic movement.

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting cultural and creative initiatives, noting their role in enhancing Bahrain’s regional and global standing as a centre for creativity and innovation.

At the ceremony, awards were presented to outstanding artists. The Al-Dana Award was won by Abdul Jabbar Al-Ghadhban, while the Al Riwaq Art Space “Nexus Program” award went to Khalid Waleed Al-Abbas. The RAK Art Foundation Award was presented to Hussain Ali Isa. A special tribute was also awarded to Camille Zakaria in recognition of his long-standing contribution to documenting architecture across the Gulf.

Solo exhibition opportunities were announced for Dr Mayasa Al Suwaidi in collaboration with Folk Art Space, Ahmed Al Asad with 56 Art Gallery, and Shaikha Rasha bint Salman Al Khalifa with AlBareh Art Space.

Established in 1972, the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition remains a flagship cultural platform in the Kingdom, bringing together emerging, contemporary and pioneering artists and reflecting the evolution of Bahrain’s artistic and cultural identity. Several senior officials attended the opening ceremony.