Assigned by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, inaugurated the exhibition dedicated to His Highness Isa Al Kabeer, Ruler of Bahrain and its Dependencies, organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) at the Bahrain National Museum.
The opening ceremony was attended by ministers, senior officials and invited guests.
On the occasion, Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla said HM the King's patronage of the exhibition reflected His Majesty's commitment to documenting Bahrain's rich history, commemorating the leaders who laid the foundations of the modern state and preserving their legacy for present and future generations.
The Deputy Prime Minister said recalling the legacy of His Highness Isa Al Kabeer meant revisiting a formative period spanning more than six decades, during which the foundations of the modern state were established, setting Bahrain on a path of comprehensive development that continues under the leadership of HM the King and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla highlighted the significance of the exhibition, which coincides with the commemoration of the Year of Isa Al Kabeer, designated by HM the King in recognition of the late ruler's legacy, contributions to the nation and role in strengthening stability and establishing legal and civil institutions.
The Deputy Prime Minister commended the efforts of BACA, its President and staff in preparing and organising the exhibition, as well as their commitment to preserving Bahrain's national memory, highlighting its historical identity and passing its heritage on to future generations.
Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla toured the exhibition, viewing historical artefacts, documents, manuscripts and archival photographs documenting significant milestones in the late ruler's life and reign, as well as the major developments Bahrain witnessed during that period.
The Deputy Prime Minister also signed the visitors' book at the Bahrain National Museum, expressing pride in being entrusted by HM the King to inaugurate the exhibition and extending best wishes to BACA for continued success in fulfilling its cultural and national mission.
For his part, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, President of BACA, expressed appreciation to HM the King for His Majesty's patronage of the exhibition and continued support for Bahrain's culture and antiquities sectors.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed also thanked the Deputy Prime Minister for attending the opening ceremony and commended his support for the authority's cultural initiatives and historical exhibitions aimed at highlighting Bahrain's heritage.
The BACA President emphasised the importance of highlighting the contributions of national figures in strengthening national belonging and awareness of the achievements of the modern state.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed highlighted the pioneering role of His Highness Isa Al Kabeer in enhancing Bahrain's stability and prosperity, noting that the administrative systems and policies introduced during that period laid the foundations for the Kingdom's continued development and progress.