By Mai Al Khatib-Camille
Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the kingdom’s latest attraction – the National Action Charter Edifice – which was launched with Royal fanfare this week.
The monument and its array of hands-on features are likely to open to the public on April 1 and entrance will be free. Details will be confirmed closer to the date.
The edifice located on the Zallaq main road in the northern part of Sakhir was inaugurated on Sunday by His Majesty King Hamad accompanied by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander.
It is a gift from King Hamad to the people of Bahrain, marking February 14, 2001 – the ninth anniversary of the drafting and approval of the National Action Charter that proved the country’s return to constitutional rule.
A spokesman said: “The monument is a call for all to share in the kingdom’s rich past and to celebrate its national identity which is so deeply rooted in Arab cultural heritage and the values of Islam and so integral to the country’s future.”
The structure is located on a 72,418 sq/m plot in the northern part of Sakhir, overlooking Zallaq Main Street and also features alongside it a 2,200 metre main exhibition space, a 2,000 seat amphitheatre, 65 metre sundial, conference rooms, laser towers, bronze fountains and various art installments and sprawling gardens.
The names of the citizens who witnessed and took part in one of the biggest and most important democratic events in Bahrain and in the drafting and approval of the charter are inscribed on the structure’s exterior.
The monument features 220,000 names and its curved inner walls are graced with verses from the Holy Quran. Film images and text, interactives, games, object displays and quotes from His Majesty all serve to document Bahrain’s political evolution into the modern democratic nation that it is today.
The exhibition areas include:
Pearl of the Gulf – examining the gift of water, generosity of the land and spirit of the people. It features a pool of virtual water, triggered by fingertips, which releases poetry and wisdom from its depths. There will also be a whispering palm grove with voices of children recounting the myths and legends of the land.
Connecting to the World – revealing the kingdom’s history as a hub for trade and commerce. There will be an interactive game based around a map of oceans and visitors can play the role of a dhow captain and trader.
The Islam and Tolerance – an exhibition exploring the importance of Arab heritage and Islamic faith. It will feature a recitation of poetry from the pre-Islamic era and an interactive feature that reveals the achievements of Islam from East to West.
Bringing Prosperity – highlighting co-operation and the principle of the Shura with a five-touch screen giving an account of the many achievements during the reign of each ruler and the advisors alongside them.
Treasures of the Sea – featuring an interactive game where children and adults can try their hand at collecting oysters from the seabed.
The Flames of Industry – consisting of huge screens with dramatic images evoking the story of Bahrain’s rapid transformation into an industrial player on the world stage..
Preserving our Gift – interactive features and games that allow the exploration of the kingdom’s habitats and ecosystems.
The Bridge of Light – the pivotal point of the building featuring a glowing walkway with the key moments of Bahrain’s recent history depicted through large-scale videos and imagery.