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Bab Al Bahrain, the main entrance to the Manama Souq, is to undergo a 10-month restoration thanks to American Express Middle East which is sponsoring the project.
Designed by Sir Charles Belgrave, adviser to the late Emir, Bab Al Bahrain was first built in the second half of the 1940s. Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, Minister of Culture, stressed the importance of the heritage monument saying that it must be preserved and revived in its traditional form.
The project will be completed during the kingdom’s celebration of Al Manama as the Arabic Culture Capital for 2012 and inaugurated ahead of 2013 and the celebration of Manama as the capital of Arabic tourism.
To celebrate the architectural landmark’s heritage, a school drawing competition has been launched. Children aged 12 to 14 will be asked to draw or paint their interpretation of Bab Al Bahrain and its importance. As well as winning valuable prizes, the top three works of art will be displayed at the newly-restored building.
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