HE SHAIKHA MAI AL-KHALIFA - BAHRAIN
HE Shaikha Mai Al Khalifa, as president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, holds unique roles in the Ministry for Culture & Information and the Ministry for Culture, making her a prominent figure in Arab culture and art. Spearheading efforts in Bahrain, she focuses on cultural infrastructure development for heritage conservation and sustainable tourism, founding the Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research. Through initiatives like ‘Invest in Culture’, she fosters public-private partnerships, resulting in landmarks like the Bahrain Fort Site Museum and the Bahrain National Theater.
Shaikha Mai prioritizes youth development through programs, nurturing cultural dialogue and emerging talent. Her achievements include UNESCO World Heritage inscriptions for Bahrain Fort and Pearling: Testimony of an Island Economy. Honored internationally, she’s received accolades such as the Colbert Prize for Creativity and Heritage, Légion d’Honneur, and orders from Morocco, Italy, and Bahrain. Shaikha Mai serves as an inspiring role model for culture and heritage enthusiasts worldwide.