The Persian Gulf region is famous for its flashy mega-projects. The United Arab Emirates in particular has received a lot of attention over the past few years for its Louvre and Guggenheim museums. But few are aware that the tiny kingdom of Bahrain is now attempting to compete with its neighbour. Bahrain’s capital Manama boasts one of the biggest theatres in the Arab world with a price tag of 50 million dollars. Last autumn, Bahrain held its first international art fair. All this despite being one of the poorest members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Minister of Culture Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa recently organized an international forum to discuss the social and economic impacts investing in culture could have in the Arab world.
Others episodes
-
Greek and Turkish leaders ready for diplomacy talks amid Aegean tensions
Greece and Turkey are stepping up rapprochement efforts, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visiting Turkey on Monday for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The trip is part of detente attempts after years of tensions centered on territorial disputes in the Aegean Sea.11/05/202404:58 -
Turkey cuts trade with Israel but seeks role in resolving Gaza conflict
Turkey has cut off trade with Israel as bilateral relations deteriorate over the Gaza conflict. The move follows domestic calls for a tougher stance against Israel, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking a more prominent regional role.04/05/202405:21 -
Aid flotilla from Turkey aims to break Gaza blockade but risks fresh crisis
A group of international activists are seeking to break Israel's blockade of Gaza with a flotilla of vessels carrying aid. But with 10 people killed by Israeli security forces in a similar mission 14 years ago, fears are growing that the latest flotilla could provoke a fresh crisis.27/04/202404:51 -
Turkey's Erdogan targets support against Kurdish rebels during Iraq trip
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits Iraq on Monday for the first time in 12 years. He'll be seeking support for Ankara's war against Kurdish rebels in Iraq as well as deeper economic ties.22/04/202404:43 -
Turkish government looks to regain ground by limiting ties with Israel
The Turkish government has announced restrictions on Israeli trade, along with the suspension of scheduled flights to Israel. The moves come in the aftermath of a shock defeat for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party in nationwide local elections, in which the opposition targeted trade with Israel amid growing condemnation over the war in Gaza.14/04/202406:06