Arts & Culture – PowerUp City Magazine

A New Kind of Muralism

Riza Castillo — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:25:14 +0000

In a region where high finance and sporting spectacles dominate the narrative, artist Cagla Akpinar is pushing colour into the cracks. Her work, whether massive, joyfully chaotic murals or quietly provocative mixed-media portraits, is deliberate, symbolic, and rooted in themes that genuinely challenge. She is building something bigger than herself, creating visual language in a place where art is still finding its public voice.

You may have seen the work of Cagla Akpinar during Formula 1 season at the Bahrain International Circuit or across downtown Manama near the Rotana Hotel. But her murals are far more than decorative public art. Each piece layers symbolism, surreal colour palettes, and emotional subtext into works that challenge how public space is experienced.

Originally from Ankara and now based in Bahrain, Akpinar studied at Bilkent University, developing a multidisciplinary practice spanning painting, sculpture, ceramics, and video. Her work explores identity, emotional disconnection, societal expectations, and cultural pressure through neo-surrealist imagery and recurring symbols like roses, representing resilience and feminine strength.

Recent commissions include a Formula 1-inspired painting series for the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, a vibrant Downtown Rotana mural blending desert and tropical imagery, and a custom portrait gifted to rapper Offset during his Bahrain concert. Even in commercial projects, her visual language remains unmistakably personal.

Alongside her studio practice, Akpinar teaches at Bahrain Art Academy and through her independent platform, Artology, encouraging experimentation, emotional honesty, and self-expression among young artists.

At a time when Bahrain’s creative scene is rapidly evolving, Akpinar represents a new generation of artists shaping the Kingdom’s contemporary cultural identity through public art, education, and fearless visual storytelling.

IG↗ @wickedrose.art

🌐 caglaakpinar.com

Bahrain Launches Week Of Museum Experiences

Carl John Violeta — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:05:57 +0000

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities is marking International Museum Day 2026 with a week-long cultural programme designed to bring communities together through history, art, and shared experiences. Running from May 16 to 23, the initiative is held under this year’s global theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” highlighting the role museums play as trusted public spaces that connect people across generations and cultures.

Activities will take place across several of Bahrain’s leading cultural institutions, including the Bahrain National Museum, Qal’at Al-Bahrain Site Museum, and the Post Office Museum. The programme also features participation from the Kanoo Museum as part of a wider collaboration between the public and private sectors to strengthen Bahrain’s cultural landscape.

Visitors can expect guided tours, lectures, workshops, and interactive activities tailored for children, families, students, and art enthusiasts. One of the programme’s key highlights is the ongoing exhibition, “His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa: Life and Legacy,” currently hosted at the Bahrain National Museum until July 31. Guests will also have the opportunity to join guided tours of the 52nd Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition, offering a closer look at Bahrain’s contemporary creative scene.

The programme further expands internationally through a collaboration between BACA and the Zayed National Museum. As part of the initiative, the Bahrain National Museum will host “Zayed National Museum: Celebrating the Ancient Ties Between Magan and Dilmun,” an exhibition exploring the historical links between ancient Bahrain and the UAE.

Meanwhile, Kanoo Museum will spotlight Bahrain’s cultural memory through panel discussions, visual arts sessions, and workshops focused on traditional crafts and Manama’s evolving identity. With museums transforming into interactive cultural hubs for the week, the programme positions Bahrain’s heritage sector at the center of community engagement and regional dialogue.

Kanoo Museum Signs Cultural Partnership With Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities

Carl John Violeta — Wed, 06 May 2026 15:16:57 +0000

The Kanoo Museum has officially announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities in a move aimed at strengthening cooperation in Bahrain’s cultural and museum sectors while supporting the continued revitalisation of historic Manama.

The agreement represents a new strategic partnership between the public and private sectors focused on enhancing cultural initiatives, preserving Bahrain’s heritage, and expanding artistic and museum-related activities across the Kingdom. The memorandum also highlights ongoing national efforts to transform historic Manama into a vibrant cultural and artistic hub that attracts residents, visitors, creatives, and tourists alike.

According to the announcement, the partnership will encourage collaboration on projects connected to museums, exhibitions, cultural events, heritage preservation, and educational initiatives that celebrate Bahrain’s identity and history. Both parties are expected to work closely on developing programs that increase public engagement with art, culture, and historical storytelling while creating more opportunities for cultural investment and creative growth.

Historic Manama has remained a central focus of Bahrain’s cultural development plans in recent years. Several restoration and preservation projects have already been launched throughout the capital’s historic districts to protect traditional architecture, heritage sites, and important cultural landmarks. Through this new agreement, Kanoo Museum and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities aim to further contribute to these efforts by helping activate the area through cultural programming and museum cooperation.

The partnership also reflects Bahrain’s wider strategy of using culture and heritage as drivers for tourism, economic activity, and community engagement. By combining the expertise and resources of both the government and private sector, the agreement is expected to create sustainable opportunities that support artists, historians, researchers, and cultural institutions while strengthening Bahrain’s position as a regional destination for arts and heritage.

The Kanoo Museum has continued to play an important role in preserving and showcasing Bahrain’s historical identity through exhibitions and collections that document the Kingdom’s past and cultural development. Meanwhile, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities remains the leading national institution responsible for preserving Bahrain’s archaeological sites, museums, historical landmarks, and cultural initiatives.

Officials view the memorandum as an important step toward building stronger partnerships that encourage innovation within the cultural sector while maintaining Bahrain’s historical character and identity. The collaboration is also expected to support future cultural events and projects that will bring more activity into the heart of Manama’s historic districts.

As Bahrain continues investing in cultural infrastructure and heritage preservation, partnerships such as this are becoming increasingly important in creating long-term development opportunities within the Kingdom’s creative economy. The agreement between Kanoo Museum and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities reflects a shared vision of preserving Bahrain’s rich history while ensuring that historic Manama continues evolving as a living cultural destination for future generations.

After Eid, Bahrain Moves Again

Riza Castillo — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:26:09 +0000

In Bahrain, the end of Ramadan does not arrive all at once. It builds.

In the final days leading into Eid, extended mall hours, fuller cafes, and longer evenings begin to signal a shift. By the time Eid al-Fitr begins, that transition is already underway.

This year, the return carries added weight.

Across the region, ongoing tensions have shaped conversations, attention, and daily routines. In Bahrain, that awareness has been present but measured, filtering into everyday life without fully disrupting it.

What emerges is something quieter but more telling.

A reminder often shared in recent months has stayed with many: Bahrain is well because of its people.

Over time, it begins to feel less like a campaign and more like something lived.

The Lead-Up to Eid

Retail activity in the days before Eid follows a familiar rhythm.

Across major malls and shopping areas, foot traffic builds steadily. Shoppers move with intention, often focused on clothing, gifts, and items tied to visits and gatherings.

What stands out is not only how many people are out, but how they move.

There is less urgency, more awareness. People take their time. They move between stores, pause, reconsider, and return. Purchases feel tied to something specific—someone they will visit, a moment they will be part of.

Preparation becomes less about buying and more about showing up.

Nights Return, Gradually

Following Eid, activity begins to shift back into the evening.

Restaurants and cafes start to fill again, with many staying active into the later hours, especially in well-known dining areas. The pace builds over time rather than all at once.

People tend to stay longer.

Meals stretch into conversations, and conversations continue without much attention to time. There is a sense of easing back into routine, rather than rushing into it.

Even as discussions sometimes turn toward what is happening across the region, they move naturally between heavier topics and everyday life.

In these shared spaces, the idea that Bahrain is well because of its people becomes visible through action. People gather, make space for each other, and continue showing up.

Retail Reflects Behavior

Retail activity during Eid continues to mirror these patterns.

Promotions draw people in, but what stands out is how time is spent once they arrive.

Fragrance counters remain active. Jewelry stores see steady movement. Cafes stay full even after purchases are made. Visitors move between shopping, dining, and meeting others, often extending their stay beyond what they initially planned.

Spaces developed by Majid Al Futtaim are designed for this kind of flow, where time spent matters as much as transactions.

There is spending, but there is also restraint.

Not everything needs to be new. Not everything needs to be more.

What matters is what the purchase connects to—a visit, a gathering, a shared moment.

In a time shaped by uncertainty, these choices feel grounded.

A Familiar Pattern, With New Context

Each year, Bahrain moves through a familiar cycle. A slowing during Ramadan, followed by a gradual return through Eid.

In 2026, that cycle continues with a deeper sense of awareness.

People seem to notice more. Time together feels more deliberate. Moments are held a little longer.

The rhythm remains. The meaning behind it deepens.

What Carries Forward

Bahrain’s return after Ramadan is not defined by a single moment, but by continuity.

Retail activity stabilizes. Evenings grow busier. Social routines begin to settle back into place.

The city moves again, not all at once, but together.

And somewhere in that movement, the message becomes clear.

“Bahrain is well because of its people.”

Through gathering.
Through presence.
Through the quiet decision to keep showing up for one another.

Gargee’an Returns With a Message of Happiness

Cyphrine Labrillazo — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:13:46 +0000

MANAMA, Bahrain — Before organized festivals and large-scale Ramadan activations, Gargee’an belonged to the neighborhoods.

Observed across Bahrain and the Gulf on the 13th, 14th or 15th night of Ramadan, Gargee’an, also known as Gerga’oon is a children’s tradition centered on generosity and community. Dressed in traditional clothing, children move door to door singing familiar chants and collecting sweets and nuts in small fabric bags.

The ritual is simple, but its meaning runs deeper, reinforcing gratitude, togetherness and shared identity during the holy month.

On March 3, 2026, Bahrain’s Gargee’an will take on a new structure under the theme “Best of Happiness.”

Organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, this year’s celebration introduces a mobile format designed to reach families across all four governorates. A specially themed bus tour will begin in Muharraq before traveling through the Capital and Northern Governorates and concluding in the Southern Governorate. Along the route, volunteers will distribute sweets and small gifts to children, bringing the celebration directly into neighborhoods.

The approach blends tradition with coordination. Rather than waiting for children to gather in specific locations, the celebration moves toward them.

The initiative aims to preserve the essence of Gargee’an, generosity, singing, sweets and shared laughter, while broadening its accessibility. Organizers have worked with relevant authorities to ensure smooth execution, underscoring the growing scale of what was once a purely grassroots ritual.

For families, the shift offers both nostalgia and novelty. Parents who grew up knocking on doors can now watch their children experience the tradition through a structured, nationwide celebration.

Gargee’an in Bahrain has always adapted to its era. From lantern-lit alleyways to organized cultural festivals, the night continues to evolve without losing its core purpose, to create moments of joy during Ramadan.

On March 3, the celebration will once again take place across the island, reinforcing what Gargee’an has always represented, shared joy and community spirit.

An Eye-Opening First Visit to the Bahrain Arts Society Annual Exhibition 2026

Cyphrine Labrillazo — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:30:46 +0000

For a first-time visitor, the Bahrain Arts Society Annual Exhibition 2026 feels less like a single exhibition and more like a guided walk through Bahrain’s contemporary creative pulse. From the moment you enter, it becomes clear this isn’t designed to be rushed. The layout encourages slow movement, pauses, and second looks, an experience that rewards curiosity rather than checklist viewing.

Organized by the Bahrain Arts Society, the annual exhibition brings together a broad mix of artists working across painting, mixed media, and contemporary abstraction. For future goers, expect a large-scale group exhibition rather than a tightly themed show. There is no single narrative or prescribed route. Part of the appeal is discovering how different artistic voices sit alongside one another, sometimes in harmony, sometimes in contrast.

What the Experience Is Like

The exhibition unfolds across multiple rooms, each offering a shift in tone and visual language. Some spaces feel quiet and contemplative, others are more energetic and visually dense. For first-time attendees, it’s worth allowing at least 60–90 minutes to fully take it in. The diversity of styles can feel overwhelming at first, but that sensation quickly turns into appreciation. This is where the exhibition becomes eye-opening. It reveals just how wide the spectrum of artistic practice in Bahrain truly is.

Rather than spotlighting a single “star,” the show functions as a snapshot of the local art scene, mixing established voices with artists who are clearly still evolving. That balance gives the exhibition its rhythm and makes repeat visits worthwhile.

Heading Title

1 of 18

Artists that Stood Out (From a crowd of many)

With dozens of works on display, the exhibition doesn’t push visitors toward a short list of “must-see” names and that’s part of its strength. There are many artists worth spending time with, and the experience naturally becomes personal. The works that stand out tend to do so quietly, catching your attention not because they demand it, but because they hold it.

Among those that resonated most were a handful of artists whose approaches felt distinct and memorable. Jamal Al Yousif’s work stood out for its depth and sense of meaning. His pieces feel layered and considered, inviting viewers to pause and engage beyond first impressions. There’s an emotional gravity to his compositions that unfolds slowly, rewarding time and attention.

The work of Noor Al Sairafi offered a contrasting experience. Her piece felt refreshing and unmistakably contemporary, very now in both tone and execution. It brought lightness and immediacy to the exhibition, cutting through the density of the space and re-energizing the viewer as they moved through the rooms.

Another artist who caught attention was Rashid Mohammad, whose work leans toward balance and visual structure. His approach feels measured and composed, emphasizing form and color relationships rather than overt narrative. In a setting filled with varied expressions, his work provides moments of calm and visual clarity.

Looking ahead, one artist whose work sparks curiosity for future editions is Eman Al Jishi. Her contemporary and experimental approach suggests a practice that’s still evolving. There’s a sense of exploration in her work particularly in her use of materials and process, that makes her someone to watch as Bahrain’s art scene continues to develop.

What Future Goers Should Know

For those planning a visit, this exhibition is best experienced without a strict agenda. Go in open, allow yourself to linger, and don’t feel the need to “understand” every piece immediately. The strength of the Bahrain Arts Society Annual Exhibition lies in its range, traditional sensibilities sit comfortably next to contemporary experimentation, creating a layered and honest reflection of Bahrain’s art scene today.

By the end of the visit, what stays with you isn’t just individual artworks, but the realization that Bahrain’s artistic landscape is far more expansive than it’s often given credit for. For first-time visitors especially, the exhibition showcases art that exceeds expectations.

It’s an exhibition that encourages return visits, deeper looking, and continued curiosity about the artists shaping Bahrain’s creative future.

📍 Art Centre, Al Fatih Highway, Manama, Bahrain

🗓 20 January 2026 – 20 February 2026

⏰ 09:00 AM – 08:00 PM

*Free Admission

Muharraq Nights 2025 Celebrates Bahrain’s Living Heritage

Cyphrine Labrillazo — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:23:19 +0000

Crowds fill the restored alleys of old Muharraq as music, heritage, and winter air merge into one vibrant celebration — the essence of Muharraq Nights 2025.

“In Muharraq Nights, heritage and creativity stand side by side, telling the same story differently.”

Long before skyscrapers and boulevards reshaped Bahrain’s skyline, the kingdom’s identity shimmered beneath the Gulf waters. For centuries, pearling defined life here. Entire communities rose and rested with the diving season. Songs were written for the sea, families waited for dhows at the shore, and merchants in Muharraq traded the world’s most coveted natural pearls to royalty, jewelers, and aristocrats across continents.

Muharraq — Bahrain’s old capital and cultural heartbeat was the center of it all. Its narrow alleyways, merchant houses, and dhow docks were once the stage where divers, captains, craftsmen, and traders shaped the island’s economic lifeline. Though the pearling industry declined in the mid-20th century with the rise of cultured pearls and the discovery of oil, its memory remained woven into the soul of Muharraq.

To preserve and celebrate this heritage, Bahrain transformed the historic route of divers and merchants into the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching across 3.5 kilometers. Today, it’s an open-air museum of Bahrain’s story.

Every winter, this heritage comes alive again through Muharraq Nights and in 2025, the festival returns more vibrant than ever.

A CULTURAL REAWAKENING: MUHARRAQ NIGHTS 2025

From December 1 to 30, 2025, Muharraq glows with a different kind of energy. As dusk settles, historic houses, courtyards, and restored pathways light up, inviting thousands into a cultural journey that runs late into the night.

The festival opens daily:

Sunday to Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM

This year’s launch was marked by the presence of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, setting an inspiring tone for a month-long celebration that bridges heritage with contemporary creativity.

Visitors flow through the Pearling Path’s maze of illuminated alleys, discovering live performances echoing traditional rhythms, art installations nestled inside century-old homes, and food stalls offering everything from Bahraini classics to inventive street bites. Craft vendors line the walkways, children chase shadows in lantern-lit courtyards, and conversations flow into the night air. It’s a living, breathing tapestry of what Muharraq once was, and what it has grown to be.

The magic of Muharraq Nights is in the atmosphere. It feels intimate, communal, familiar, as though the city itself is welcoming you back.

THE BEST WAYS TO ARRIVE IN STYLE

One of the festival’s charms is the journey itself. There are several ways to reach Muharraq Nights, each offering a different kind of experience:

🚤 By Boat — The Most Scenic Route

Festival boats depart from four ports around Bahrain, carrying visitors across the water to Qal’at Bu Mahir, the ancient fortress at the southern tip of Muharraq:

Four Seasons Bahrain Bay
Sa’ada Sea Front
The Avenues
Bahrain National Museum

Arriving by boat feels cinematic, the city lights behind you, the historic fortress ahead, and the anticipation of the festival growing with every wave.

🚌 Shuttle Buses — Convenient and Free

Two stations provide shuttle bus access directly into the festival area:

Muharraq Nights Parking (between the two bridges)
Marassi Galleria – Station Gate 2

Ideal for those who prefer leaving the car behind.

🛺 Golf Buggies — Flexible and Fun

Available at seven stations across the district, these are perfect for exploring the area or hopping between festival zones.

Rent per trip or per hour
Bookable through the Tajawl website

🚗 By Car — Plenty of Parking Options

Driving is easy, with multiple choices depending on preference:

Free car parks
Paid parking areas
Valet parking (book via Amakin)

Whether you’re arriving by sea, wheels, or a bit of both, the journey is smooth, a thoughtful design that honors the festival’s blend of old and new.

WHAT TO EXPECT THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

Muharraq Nights is intentionally unpredictable — part curated, part spontaneous. Each evening offers something different:

Traditional and contemporary musical performances
Art installations tucked into restored pearling-era homes
Heritage tours led by cultural guides
Food stalls and pop-ups offering regional dishes and modern bites
Craft and artisan markets showcasing local talent
Family-friendly activities that transform heritage into play

Wandering through the festival feels like drifting between Bahrain’s past and present — one alley echoes the pearling chants of divers, the next hums with live fusion music.

Visit https://linktr.ee/pearlingpathbahrain to view Muharaq Nights program and guides for the event.

From neon-lit alleys to heritage rooms lined with woven art, Muharraq Nights 2025 turns the old city into a living gallery, where music fills the courtyards, crowds wander under hanging baskets, and local traditions come alive through pearl stories, crafts, and community. A celebration of Bahrain’s past and present, glowing after dark.

Photo highlights from https://www.instagram.com/pearlingpath/

A FESTIVAL ROOTED IN MEMORY, GLOWING WITH POSSIBILITY

Muharraq Nights 2025 is an event meant for revival. A reminder of the island’s origins, reborn through art, food, and community. It honors the divers who once shaped Bahrain’s identity while celebrating the next generation of creators shaping its future.

In a world of fast-paced festivals and fleeting trends, Muharraq Nights stands apart. It invites you not just to attend, but to feel, to experience Bahrain through its stories, its streets, its people, and its heritage brought to life under winter skies.

For travelers, culture lovers, and anyone chasing authenticity, this December in Muharraq is where Bahrain’s soul shines brightest.

Click here to view more events in Bahrain this month

🌕 Moonlight, Music, and Momentum – DJ Sistek Brings Global Afro & Latin House Heat to Bahrain

PowerUpAdmin — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 08:38:30 +0000

DJ Sistek

Azul Beach hosts the Full Moon Beach Party of the summer Published: July 11, 2025

Bahrain’s summer nightlife reaches its peak tonight as Azul Beach Azul Beach Instagram plays host to a major entry in the region’s music calendar: the Full Moon Beach Party – Afro & Latin House Edition, headlined by global DJ and producer Sistek Music Instagram

Set against the shoreline of Muharraq, this high-energy open-air event promises more than just great music — it’s a fusion of moonlight, tropical rhythm, and crowd-driven atmosphere, unfolding under the July full moon.

🎧 Who Is Sistek?

Sistek, real name Cristóbal Sistek, hails from Santiago de Chile and is rapidly becoming one of Latin House’s most sought-after names. Known for tracks like “No Body Like You” and “Provenza”, his sound blends Latin and Afro house influences with emotional depth and dancefloor polish.

His resume includes:

Remixes for Latin stars like Karol G, Kali Uchis, Myke Towers, and Feid

Festival slots at Creamfields, Lollapalooza, and more

Support from top DJs including Tiësto, Hugel, and Vintage Culture

25+ sold-out headline shows across Europe and the Americas

With a following of over 750,000 fans and a growing global footprint, Sistek brings international flair to Bahrain’s coastline — marking his debut performance in the Kingdom.

🏖️ The Experience

The Full Moon Beach Party isn’t a casual lounge event. It’s designed to move you. The combination of high-quality sound production, beachfront setting, and crowd energy aims to create an immersive, festival-style vibe — minus the long-haul travel.

Expect:

Afro & Latin house music all night

A sea breeze and moonlit shoreline as the backdrop

Local and regional partygoers mixing under one rhythm

Casual dress code for full comfort — no traditional or formalwear allowed

🎟️ Tickets, Access & Location

Event Date: Friday, 11 July 2025
Time: From 8:00 PM until late
Venue: Azul Beach, near Elite Resort & Spa, Muharraq

Ticket Prices (via platinumlist.net):

BD20 for Ladies

BD30 for Gents

BD45 for Couples

VIP tables and backstage access available

How to Get There:

By Car: Drive over Shaikh Hamad Causeway, with signage near Elite Resort

By Public Transport: Take buses A1, 10, or 22 to Muharraq stop, short walk from there

By Taxi / Ride App: Uber and Careem both service the area reliably

📞 For VIP bookings and updates: Call 3222 3323 or follow Azul Beach Instagram

💬 Why It Matters

Bahrain’s music and nightlife scene continues to evolve — and events like this signal a new level of ambition. Azul Beach is emerging as a destination that can attract international talent and offer local fans a taste of what’s happening globally in house music and club culture.

Sistek’s appearance isn’t just a good night out — it’s a cultural moment for Afro and Latin house in the Gulf, blending Chilean energy with Bahraini hospitality under the stars.

✋ Final Word

No gimmicks. No VIP posturing. No festival fatigue.
The Full Moon Beach Party is built for connection, movement, and mood. Whether you’re chasing one great night or the pulse of a growing scene, you’ll find both here.

So don’t scroll past it.
Show up. Dance it out. Let the moonlight do the rest.