Manama: The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) mourned the loss of Bahraini poet Ali Abdullah Khalifa, a pioneer in the literary and cultural movement who played a significant role in strengthening national identity and consolidating the country's cultural heritage.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Ali Abdullah Khalifa was a notable cultural figure in Bahrain, born in Muharraq in 1944. As a poet and researcher in folk culture, he made extensive contributions to literature and the arts. His career began in the 1960s, during which he published numerous poetry collections, musical operettas, and conducted field studies on Gulf folk heritage. Khalifa also founded several cultural institutions and held senior positions, including President of the International Organisation of Folk Art and Director General of Cultural Research at the Royal Court.
Ali Abdullah Khalifa's contributions earned him several accolades, including the First Class Order of Competence awarded by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. He also received the Grand World Prize in Arts from Romania and the Creativity Shield, recognizing his role in Bahrain's modern poetry movement. His work was further acknowledged with honorary certificates from international universities and prestigious decorations from various countries.
Khalifa is revered as a prominent figure in modern Arabic poetry. His poetic and research works enriched Arabic literature, with many translated into international languages. His efforts in establishing cultural and artistic institutions at both local and international levels solidified his status as a cultural and artistic symbol in Bahrain and the Arab world.