EU and BACA Partner to Enhance Bahrain National Museum and Al Qal’at Al-Bahrain

The European Union (EU) and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) have unveiled a joint roadmap to enhance Bahrain’s most significant cultural landmarks — the Bahrain National Museum and Al Qal’at Al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The roadmap sets out a shared vision for cultural preservation, museum development, and capacity-building, marking a new chapter in EU–Bahrain cultural cooperation by combining the EU’s technical expertise with BACA’s local knowledge.

Focus

This initiative will focus on state-of-the-art museum technologies, conservation techniques, and expanded exhibition spaces.

Through this partnership, the EU contributed with an expert mission that involved exchanges with key stakeholders, government officials, and staff, allowing for the joint development of the roadmap.

Focusing on cultural heritage, archaeology, conservation, and international standards in museum management, the mission contributed to analyzing and strategizing areas such as collections management, storage conditions, information and knowledge management, conservation, and restoration.

Proud

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Ambassador of the European Union to the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.E. Christophe Farnaud, emphasized:
“The European Union is proud to partner with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities to enhance the Bahrain National Museum and Al Qal’at al-Bahrain Site. These landmarks embody Bahrain’s rich heritage and its enduring role as a crossroads of civilizations. Through this collaboration, we aim to combine innovation and preservation – ensuring that Bahrain’s story continues to inspire future generations.”

Ms. Haya Ahmed Al-Sada, Director of Museums, stated:
“It is through these meaningful collaborative efforts between the EU and BACA that we can develop sustainable strategies, enhance our museums, and ensure that sites like the Bahrain National Museum and Qal’at Al-Bahrain continue to resonate on both a national and international level. We are truly grateful for this initiative and look forward to activating the plan in the medium term.”

Inauguration

The Bahrain National Museum was officially inaugurated by the late Amir His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa on 15 December 1988. It was considered one of the finest museums of its kind in the Gulf region. Today, it remains one of the island’s main cultural landmarks.

Opened in February 2008, the Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun seeks to maintain the ancient historic features of the site while documenting the archaeological periods through the preservation of artefacts discovered there.

Fort

Al Qala’at Al-Bahrain Site Museum is situated across from the historic Qala’at Al-Bahrain, one of the most important historic political and military forts in the GCC region. The fort is part of the Qala’at Al-Bahrain Site, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

The joint roadmap builds upon the EU’s broader engagement with Gulf countries under the EU–GCC Outreach Facility, highlighting the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening mutual understanding and long-term partnerships.