(1) Oyster Shucking
Qal’at Bu Mahir
Location:
Oyster shucking is the interval stage between pearl diving and pearl testing and selling. The oysters are collected and kept until the dawn of the second day so that their muscles relax, making it easier to open and check for pearls.
(2) Sunset Photography
7 December, 3:15 PM
Qal’at Bu Mahir
Location:
Age: 16 years and above
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required on pearlingpath.bh
Capture the enchanting sunset moments using time-lapse technology, set against the backdrop of the historic Qal’at Bu Mahir. Enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature and participate in a creative experience that blends photography and exploration.
(3) The City of Mud and Pearls: with Novelist Saud Al Sanousi
24 December, 7 PM
Al Ghus House
Location:
Kalemat, in collaboration with Ta’a Al Shabab, is hosting a discussion on the trilogy “The Scrolls of Mud City” with Kuwaiti novelist Saud Al Sanousi. This trilogy is the latest addition to Al Sanousi’s literary project, portraying early 20th-century Kuwait through his vivid imagination, intertwined with historical events, folklore, social realities, and the heritage of pearl diving. The story shares numerous parallels with the narratives of the Pearling Path in Muharraq.
(4) Higher Grounds Activities
Bait Higher Grounds Cafe
Location:
7 & 17 December, 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Terrace Dinner Club: Barbecue Night
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required through Instagram at @highergrounds.bh
A dining experience on the historic house’s rooftop. Four grilled dishes will highlight the richness of local flavours with grilled meats and vegetables, from cultural classics to innovative uses of familiar and unfamiliar ingredients. The menu will be accompanied by a beverage in a communal table setting.
13 December, 8 – 10 PM
Terrace Dinner Club: Histories
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required through Instagram at @highergrounds.bh
A dining experience on the historic house’s rooftop in a communal table setting. The dinner will include four dishes and a beverage, each telling a story about an aspect of Bahrain’s food and history as a trade hub, inviting many global influences in its local food culture.
14 December, 7 – 8 PM
Talk: Kitchen Discussions
A casual conversation with local chefs and food innovators about food culture in Bahrain, its evolving cuisine, and local tastes and appetites.
21 December, 4 – 5 PM / 26 December, 7 – 8 PM
Workshop: Botanical Beverages
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required through Instagram at @highergrounds.bh
Create your own botanical beverage by blending local and regional flavours and herbs. The workshop will begin with a briefing on the history of harvesting plants and herbs in Bahrain, traditionally used for culinary and medicinal purposes. It will be followed by a tasting session, then a guide to making your own creation.
(5) Creative Horizons Activities
Dar Al Muharraq – First Floor
Location:
The Creative Horizons initiative offers a deep dive into the diverse creative industry, connecting creatives with top professionals across the region. Through interactive sessions, networking events, and workshops, it aims to build a vibrant community that enables creatives to learn, network, and collaborate on their creative journeys.
Film & Media
8 December, 6:30 PM
From Chaos to Concept Bader AlTaranja
9 December, 6:30 PM
Storytelling Workshop
Nooh Al Jaidah
10 December, 6:30 PM
Creative Circle: Networking Guided Discussions
Hashim Sharaf & Nehal Isa
11 December, 6:30 PM
Content Marketing Workshop
Manayer Al Kanderi
12 December, 6:30 PM
Creative process of Film and Ads
Mazen Adel
Music
13 December, 6 PM
Sound of Muharraq
Group of Musicians
14 December, 9 PM
Music of the Past and Present
Group of Folk and Modern Artists
Podcasting & Photography
15 December, 6:30 PM
Concept to Creation
Ahmed Al Zaki
16 December, 6:30 PM
Muharraq Moments: Portrait Session
Khalid AlMoayyad
17 December, 6:30 PM
Live Podcast Session
Abdulla Haji (Hekaya)
18 December, 6:30 PM
Let’s Hear from Muharraq
Abdulla Haji (Hekaya)
19 December, 6:30 PM
Collage Workshop
Haya Al Thawadi
Visual Design
22 December, 6:30 PM
Experimental Typography Workshop
Jawaher Al Ali
23 December, 6:30 PM
Bahraini Logos Reimagined
Afnan Janahi
24 December, 6:30 PM
Collage Workshop
Haya Al Thawadi
25 December, 6:30 PM
Crossing Horizons: A Space for Creatives to Connect
Creative Horizons Team
26 December, 6:30 PM
Patterns of Muharraq: Painting the Soul of Tradition
Creative Horizons Team
Animation
29 December, 6:30 PM
Animating Old Folklore Characters
Creative Horizons Team
30 December, 6:30 PM
Exhibition: Showcasing Creative Work
Creative Horizons Team
(6) Amana Creative Collective Activities
Dar Amana
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AQgbnTzEQ6YxwGb76
Amana Majlis
7 December: 5 – 7 PM
Re-imagining the Majlis
A casual evening with the Amana community, including a moderated discussion between design and architecture students, academics, and practitioners, raising questions about the concept of “Re-imagining the Majlis,” as we reflect on and explore our cultural and social construct, preserving the social values that bring us together.
11 December: 6 – 8 PM
Fragments of Self
A casual social event with the Amana community, including a moderated panel of the artists who participated in the exhibition “Fragments of Self,” raising questions and reflections on our cultural and social construct and the collective role of individuals in preserving the social values of the community within the realm of art.
22 December: 6 – 8 PM
Music & Identity
A casual evening with the Amana community, raising collective memories, reflections, and questions among musicians and the community, on the role of music in the realm of art, in the construction, preservation, and evolution of our social identity, and how it binds our community.
Music Jam and Karak
A social series of events hosted in the courtyard of Dar Amana, featuring music improvisation sessions led by local musicians. Inspired by the concept of “Afternoon Tea,” the events will offer coffee, karak, and finger foods, all set against the backdrop of a golden-hour sunset. This casual gathering aims to revive the courtyard’s communal spirit while exploring the evolution of Arab music. The series will journey through the golden era, the contemporary music scene, and the future of Arab melodies.
17 December, 5 – 7 PM
Part 1: Past
24 December, 5 – 7 PM
Part 2: Present
30 December, 5 – 7 PM
Part 3: Future
18 December, 6 – 8 PM
Workshop: Writing is Identity
Age: 18 years and above
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required through Instagram at @we.are.amana
Led by Fatima Al Saad, this workshop will explore the art of writing as an element of identity, while examining the role of writing in Arab culture. The workshop will be conducted in both Arabic and English, with participants free to express and explore their inspirations in their preferred language.
(7) Albareh Art Space & Art Concept Activities
Badr Ghulum and Turabi Houses
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ThZXwSWTYkvaFPpF8
5 – 30 December
Herbal Tea Tasting and Expert Talk
Herbal tea inspired by the garden will be served, accompanied by a local herbal medicine specialist, who will provide insights into the history, benefits, and applications of herbal remedies in Bahrain. This will enrich attendees’ understanding of the role of traditional medicine in the region’s history.
5 – 18 December, 6 – 8 PM
Workshop: Back to Nature – Recycling
Jehan Saleh & Juliana Maroto
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required through Instagram at @albarehartgallery
In this interactive workshop, participants will collaborate to create a 10-meter-long canvas using natural materials such as organic dyes, leaves, herbs, and soil. The activity aims to deepen participants’ connection with nature while encouraging them to explore sustainable artistic practices. This multimedia art piece will evolve night by night, with new elements added by participants, symbolising community unity and environmental awareness.
11 – 14 December, 6 – 8:30 PM
Workshop: Exploring Herbs Through Art
Noof Al Refaei
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required through Instagram at @albarehartgallery
Inspired by her artwork “Plant,” this workshop invites participants to explore their favourite medicinal herbs through the senses of smell, touch, and sight. They will study various herbs, gather insights from a local herbalist, and select fabrics inspired by the herbs’ colours to craft unique artistic pieces through sewing.
11 – 14 December, 6 – 8:30 PM
26 – 27 December, 6 – 8:30 PM
Workshop: With the Hawaj
A local herbalist (Hawaj) will lead an interactive session explaining the uses of herbs in medicine and beauty. Participants will have the opportunity to handle, smell, and closely examine the herbs, gaining deeper insight into their traditional applications, especially in folk medicine. The herbalist will also offer herbal products related to the session’s discussions for sale.
26 – 27 December, 6 – 8:30 PM
Workshop: Making a Vase
Noof Al Refaei
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required through Instagram at @albarehartgallery
Presented by artist Noof Al Refaei , this workshop teaches participants how to create a vase using clay and cement. Various materials will be incorporated into the process, including a blend of elements such as glass and herbs.
(8) Buthoor Al Bahrain
UN-Habitat & the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs & Agriculture
Near Fakhro House
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SUkhTeos3aRAb6Co9
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme is a UN agency focused on promoting sustainable urban development. Buthoor Al Bahrain campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable cities and urban trees, engaging the public to support Bahrain’s National Afforestation Plan, which seeks to double the number of trees by 2035. Buthoor Al Bahrain van will be stationed near Fakhro House to distribute trees and involve the local community in the afforestation efforts.
(9) Arts and Crafts Station with ARTLY
Suq Barahat Fakhro
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mZku8Y8ychW565Lk6
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required through Instagram at @ArtlyBH
Unleash your creativity in a vibrant artistic atmosphere amidst picturesque surroundings. Capture the essence of Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage and the charm of the Pearling Path through your brushstrokes, crafting a unique artwork reflecting your personal interpretation. This immersive experience promises to inspire and reignite your passion for art in the heart of Muharraq’s cultural tapestry.
(10) Photo Booth
Suq Barahat Fakhro
Location:
Capture your memories at the Muharraq Nights festival with the photo booth at Suq Barahat Fakhro, and take the most beautiful pictures with your friends and family.
(11) Makeenti Game Station
Siyadi Shops
Location:
Relive your childhood memories with Makeenti’s games, where you can win a variety of unique gifts. Whether young or old, these games offer moments of fun and challenge for everyone.
(12) Sophia Bookstore Program
Suq Al Qaysariyyah
Location:
*Program details through Instagram at @Sophia.Bahrain
Sophia is a Kuwaiti bookstore and publishing house that expanded to Bahrain and Riyadh, aiming to create a productive cultural environment in the Arab world. Suq Al Qaysariyyah Branch of Sophia includes its own café and an outdoor space overlooking the architecture of Muharraq.
(13) The Art Station Activities
Tuesday and Wednesday, 5 – 10 PM
Thursday to Saturday, 5 PM – 12 AM
(Closed on Sunday and Monday)
Location:
5 – 30 December
Art Program: Faces of Muharraq
Dr. Hesham Al Ammal and Prof. Kelley O’Brien
Age: 16 years and above
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required through theart-station.com, or Instagram at @theartstation.bh
5 December
Program Inauguration
The program will kick off with the “Faces of Muharraq” exhibition, featuring archival photographs of Muharraq, on the opening day of the Muharraq Nights Festival. This will be followed by workshops taking place held from 6 to 20 December. The workshop will culminate in the creation of an archive of faces from Muharraq, which will be displayed on a screen at the Muharraq Art Station throughout the festival.
6 & 7 December, 4 – 7 PM
13 & 20 December, 4 – 8 PM
Workshops
Two documentary photographers will capture portrait photographs at various locations along the Pearling Path for Muharraq residents who wish to participate. Artistic portrait photos will be taken, along with a record of the participant’s name, neighborhood, and an optional brief paragraph about their memories in Muharraq. The workshop will be conducted during the Muharraq Nights festival by Dr. Hesham Al Ammal and Shaikha Hanan Al Khalifa, with a suitable studio set up, complete with lighting and photographic equipment.
7 & 28 December, 6 – 8:30 PM
Contemporary Jewellery Composition
Nasim Javid
Age: 14 years and above
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required through theart-station.com, or Instagram at @theartstation.bh
In this hands-on creative workshop, participants will learn to see the beauty in overlooked and discarded items. From repurposed fabrics to upcycled metals and found objects, they will be encouraged to look beyond the conventional and embrace the unique potential of each material. They will create their own fun,one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces that highlight the importance of sustainability and individuality.
11 – 13 December, 7 – 10 PM
Decolonizing Arab Cinema
Mohamed Sultan
Age: 18 years and above
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required through theart-station.com, or Instagram at @theartstation.bh
This workshop will introduce new ways to think about modern cinema from a post-colonial viewpoint. It’s for anyone interested in learning how cinema can shape society, preserve culture, and create or change stories.
14 December, 4 – 9 PM
Introduction to Islamic Art
Nasim Javid
Age: 16 years and above
*Applicable Fees. Registration is required through theart-station.com, or Instagram at @theartstation.bh
In this engaging introductory workshop, participants will get familiar with the main elements of Islamic art, including arabesque, floral motifs, and geometric patterns. During the session, they will draw, transfer, outline and colour one of the patterns in a professional yet enjoyable way. At the end of the session, they will have a beautiful artwork created by them to treasure.
(14) Art Concept Activities
Centre Culturel Franco-Bahreïnien (Maison Jamsheer)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4M8uWaw4jCieknGm6
10 December, 8 – 10 PM
Book Signing & Discussion: Abla, this is Egypt
Egyptian Artist Mohamed Abla
The Egyptian artist Mohamed Abla was born in 1953. He was awarded the Goethe Medal by the Federal Republic of Germany in 2022, becoming the first Arab artist to receive this prize. Mohamed Abla graduated from the Department of Painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Alexandria in 1977. He studied sculpture and printmaking in Switzerland and psychology in Austria. He is passionate about photography and has experience in art therapy.
11 December, 7 – 9 PM
Workshop: Silkscreen on Fabric
Jehan Saleh
*Registration required through +973 33309294
Silkscreen printing combined with calligraphy is a powerful technique that mixes art and craft. By applying the precision of screen printing and the beauty of calligraphy, artists can create fabric designs that are not only visually striking but also deeply personal. Whether for home décor, or special occasions, this fusion of techniques allows for endless creative expression.
13 December, 7 – 9 PM
Talk: Macro Photography
Sally Moussa
This is a presentation by Sally Moussa, a passionate nature enthusiast and macro photographer. In her talk, Macro Photography, Sally explores the beauty of Bahrain’s often overlooked insects, transforming them into stunning works of art. In this talk, Sally will share her journey and insights into macro photography’s unique challenges and rewards, inviting us to see the natural world in a new light.
16 December, 7 – 10 PM
Workshop: Acrylic Painting (Muharraq Souq)
Mustafa Abu Bakr
Age: 18 years and above
*Registration required through +973 33309294
Experience a walk-in studio designed for adults to create acrylic paintings on canvas. With expert guidance, participants will explore colour, form, and texture to develop their unique artistic style. This workshop offers a relaxing and creative outlet, encouraging individual artistic expression.
(15) Astronomy Night: Bahrain Stargazers
12 December, 5 – 10 PM
Location:
Rooftop of Car Park A (near Memory of the Place – Bin Mattar House)
An astronomical evening in the heart of Muharraq, blending the latest telescope technology with the rich traditions of Arabic astronomy. Guests will have the opportunity to explore the moon, stars, and planets studied by ancient astronomers. They will also learn about the role of the night sky in the lives of pearl-diving sailors of the past, guiding them on their journeys and returns, as well as its importance in agriculture and navigation throughout history. This activity offers an enjoyable and engaging way to reconnect with our astronomical heritage, allowing participants to see the sky as our ancestors did centuries ago.
(16) Arts and Crafts Station with Calmmess
Al Fusoos Square
Location:
*Applicable fees
Unique arts and crafts workshops are held in a location steeped in history and stories, creating the perfect atmosphere with its lighting and setting for all art enthusiasts and craft lovers.
(17) Book Launch: Dreams of Sleep
Hassan Kamal
14 December, 7 PM
Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research
Location:
These are not daydreams or wishes, but rather what he documented from the depths of his sleep, whether by night or day. Hassan Kamal says about the content of the book: “I didn’t record ordinary dreams, but only those I gather after waking to place them alongside other strange dreams.” Hassan Kamal is a prominent Bahraini media professional and poet, known for his contributions to audiovisual and print media, as well as his distinctive poetic style. He played a role in developing Bahraini media and left a significant mark on literature and media, becoming one of the Bahraini voices who made an impact in Arabic literature and radio broadcasting.
(18) Lecture: Arab Novelist Voices in Europe
Amin Zaoui
30 December, 8 PM
Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research
Location:
Amin Zaoui is an Algerian writer, thinker, and novelist, known for his prominent literary works. He has made significant contributions to literature and translation, working in French, Spanish, and Arabic. Zaoui served as a professor of critical studies at the University of Oran, where he obtained his doctorate with a thesis on “The Image of the Intellectual in Maghrebian Novels.” He also taught at the University of Paris VIII and previously served as the Director of the National Library of Algeria in Algiers. Zaoui has authored ten novels, half of which are in French and the other half in Arabic, in addition to two short story collections. In 2012, his Arabic novel “The Goatherd” was nominated for the Arabic Booker Prize.
(19) Lecture: What do we Mean when a Person is a Human Being?
Dr. Wafa Al Rasheed
23 December, 8 PM
Abdullah Al Zayed House for Bahraini Press Heritage
Location:
Dr. Wafa Abdullah Al Rasheed is a prominent Saudi writer and researcher specializing in social studies, international relations, and political science. With a focus on modernisation, development, and the advancement of women, she has made significant contributions to these fields through her research and opinion articles. Dr. Al-Rasheed has shaped the cultural landscape with her insightful writings, which have appeared in major newspapers such as Al Hayat, Al Watan, and currently, Okaz. Her influence extends beyond writing to intellectual and media activities, as well as humanitarian and social work. Additionally, Dr. Al Rasheed is known for owning one of the most significant Arab art collections, further highlighting her dedication to cultural preservation and appreciation.
(20) Date with a Book
Al Fareeda Square
Location:
As part of their efforts to promote reading and raise awareness of their initiatives, Farha is hosting this activity, featuring books wrapped in plain paper with only a brief description or genre hint. Attendees can select a book based on its genre, offering a surprise reading experience that combines discovery with the joy of exploring new authors and genres.
(21) Cinema Akil
Block 209
Location:
Cinema Akil, the UAE’s only independent arthouse cinema, joins the Muharraq Nights festival with a curated program of award-winning independent films from the Arab world and beyond. This collaboration celebrates Bahraini heritage and culture through compelling storytelling and diverse cinematic perspectives. Cinema Akil’s dedication to quality films aligns with the festival’s mission to foster creativity and cultural exchange. Experience the magic of cinema under the stars as Cinema Akil brings its passion for film to the heart of Muharraq.
19 December, 7 PM
Inshallah Walad
A gripping Jordanian drama exploring the struggles of a widow who, in the wake of her husband’s death, must navigate a patriarchal society to secure her daughter’s future.
20 December, 7 PM
Perfect Days
Directed by Wim Wenders, this poetic Japanese film follows the quiet and reflective life of a Tokyo toilet cleaner, revealing profound truths in his seemingly mundane routine.
21 December, 7 PM
The Boy and the Heron
A mesmerizing, animated film by Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki, blending fantasy and reality in a coming-of-age story about grief, healing, and discovery.
22 December, 7 PM
Norah
This Saudi film tells the story of a young girl breaking free from societal norms, showcasing resilience and courage in her journey to self-discovery.
23 December, 7 PM
Bye Bye Tiberias
A deeply personal documentary by Lina Soualem about her mother, Hiam Abbass, tracing her journey from a Palestinian village to international stardom, intertwined with themes of family, identity, and displacement.
