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ONE of Bahrain's major tourist attractions is facing a new crisis after the departure of its director who quit after a change at the top of the kingdom's cultural hierarchy.
The BD3 million Qal'at Al Bahrain site museum, better known as the Bahrain Fort Museum at Karbabad, has been besieged with a variety of problems since its inception in February.
It is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) world heritage site and is currently struggling along with volunteers, has unfriendly opening hours and desperately needs promoting.
On the morning of her departure, a concerned Dr Nadine Boksmati-Fattouh expressed her thoughts about the future of the attraction on Bahrain's most important heritage site, saying: "Very few people know about this impressive museum. Unfortunately because of a major staff problem the museum has been kept open only on weekdays from 8am to 2pm, which is unsuitable for residents and school students.
"There is some ambiguity over what happens next. We have had a good response from those who have come to visit the museum but there is urgent need to put it on the map of every tourist on the island.
"Lots of VIPs have been here on various official events. On May 18, we had an open day when more expatriates came. I wanted to create awareness amongst the Bahrainis. It is really sad that they seem to be unaware of the importance of this heritage site."
Dr Nadine quit her post shortly after the sudden departure of Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa who has been replaced by former press affairs acting director Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa.
The new Information Ministry culture and national heritage assistant under-secretary is now in control of the museum which operates under the Sector of Culture and National Heritage.
Museum officials dismiss Dr Nadine's pessimistic opinion. Fuaad Noor, acting director of museums, said: "While there are a lot of blanks to be filled in we expect the appointment of seven trained staff very soon. Of course, it will also depend upon who is appointed in-charge of the museum. Recruitment processes are not easy.
Information Ministry's National Heritage and UNESCO advisor Britta Rudolff told our sister paper GDN that the continuing failure to provide adequate staffing at the museum must be resolved if the country wishes to "save face" at the Unesco world conference to be held in Bahrain in less than two years time.
