Manama:Bab Al Bahrain and the Manama Municipality Building have been officially added to the Register of Architectural and Urban Heritage by the Architectural and Urban Heritage Observatory in Arab Countries, under the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO). This inclusion is part of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities' (BACA) efforts to preserve the Kingdom of Bahrain's architectural heritage and promote it on regional and international levels.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the announcement was made during the 11th session of the Architectural and Urban Heritage Observatory held at the Arab League headquarters in Egypt. This recognition aligns with the royal order of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, emphasizing the preservation of Bahrain's historical and cultural identity. Furthermore, directives from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, support safeguarding Bahrain's historical and cultural heritage.
The addition of these buildings highlights their architectural significance and their role in shaping the urban history of Manama. Bab Al Bahrain, constructed in 1949, once served as the gateway to the capital and is a prominent architectural landmark on the former waterfront of Manama. Similarly, the Manama Municipality Building, following its restoration, showcases Bahrain's leadership in municipal affairs, being the first municipality established in the Arabian Gulf region in 1919.