Bahrain’s craft and diversity on show
BAHRAIN’s unique craft, diversity and density will be showcased at a major international expo to be held in Dubai this year.
Expo 2020 Dubai – scheduled to be held from October 1 to March 31, 2022 – is the first and largest event of its kind in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region and it’s expected to attract nearly 25 million visitors.
Bahrain yesterday unveiled details of its pavilion – a spectacular structure featuring 126 steel columns, each 24m tall and 11cm wide.
It has been designed by top Swiss architect Christian Kerez on the theme ‘Density Weaves Opportunities’.
The rectangular structure will display art installations that blend traditional crafts – weaving using textiles and palm fronds – and modern technologies to illustrate the country’s diversity and versatility.
It will also feature a gift shop and a cafe by Bahraini chefs Bassam Al Alawi and Lulwa Sowaileh, who will serve delicacies that reflect the richness and variety of local cuisine.
The details were announced by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca). Present at the Press conference were Baca president and Commissioner General of the Bahrain Pavilion at the expo Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Economic Development Board (EDB) chief project officer Tala Fakhro, Baca head of engineering projects Noura Al Sayeh, and fashion designer Hala Kaiksow.
“Today we confirm our participation in Expo 2020 Dubai in the UAE, one of the world’s most important events,” said Shaikha Mai.
“The national pavilion has been built on the theme of ‘Density and diversity’ and their role in providing opportunities.
“Bahrain is a small country but is famous for its density.
“Our population density is considered to be the sixth in the world and if we’re talking about our landscape, crafts, faiths, dialects and music, there is great density and diversity unique to Bahrain,” she told the GDN.
The pavilion’s aluminium façade signifies one of the kingdom’s main exports.
The main exhibition space, gift shop and café have been arranged in a free-flowing manner, between the columns, as a physical spatial representation of the pavilion’s theme.
The entire structure can be dismantled and rebuilt at a permanent location back in Bahrain after the end of the Expo.
It will be staffed by selected volunteers who will be responsible for introducing visitors to Bahrain and its tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
“We are looking forward to showcasing the kingdom’s unique competitive advantages and business-friendly environment at this year’s Expo 2020 event,” said Ms Fakhro.
“As a leading regional and global event, we will have the opportunity to present the kingdom’s achievements, from both economic and cultural perspectives to new audiences.
“Bahrain, well known for its openness and diversity, has much to offer investors and we are excited to present those opportunities across different activities hosted at Expo 2020 during the six month period,” she said.
Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/941289/Bahrain%E2%80%99s-craft-and-diversity-on-show
