Shaikh Mohammed opens 19th Bahrain cultural festival

Deputy Premier His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa inaugurated this morning the 19th Al-Ayam Cultural Festival organized by Al-Ayam Publishing Corporation at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Center in the presence of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chairman of the Shura Council, government ministers and senior officials in the Kingdom, diplomatic corps and people interested in culture, literature and the arts as well as a number of distinguished guests and invitees. HH the Deputy Premier and the attendees toured the pavilions and viewed latest literary, cultural and artistic books and publications from various publishing firms shown at the exhibition and expressed His Highness's gratitude and appreciation to participants on this occasion which continues thanks to a number of major Bahrain, Arab and international publishers. His Highness praised all the efforts exerted in order to activate the role of books in developing memory and reading the past, knowing the present and envisioning the future in terms of thought, data, knowledge and expertise contained in books. His Highness the Deputy Premier remarked on this occasion that interest today in books is a huge responsibility which does not rest on the shoulders of book publishers and authors but also the responsibility of intellectuals and educators in view of the great importance of books today much more than it h ad ever been before, citing the big competition against books by modern educational technologies, which are inexpensive and easy to use. Today's festival contributes in enhancing the role of books in the community and reminds readers of the importance of books throughout the ages. The Bahrain Book Fair has been launched more than two decades ago and continues nowadays which is sufficient proof of the current cultural and intellectual revival in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The book fair continues for four days with participation of exhibiters from 11 Arab countries and 133 publishing firms. His Highness Deputy Premier Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa thanked Al-Al-Ayam Publishing Corporation for its care and attention to culture and providing the opportunity to readers and intellectuals in the Kingdom of Bahrain in order to delve into books by hosting local, Arab and international publishing firms and cultural organizations, praising the festival's good organizing of all of its functions, diversity of modern and ancient heritage, and wished this cultural event to accomplish its intended success in all aspects of culture, thought, knowledge and wished the organizers and participants all success and best of luck.