Arts & Culture Archives - PowerUp City

Gargee’an Returns With a Message of Happiness

Cy — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:13:46 +0000

A cherished Ramadan tradition evolves for 2026

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.

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InterContinental Bahrain Turns Pearl Heritage Into a Ramadan Experience

Riza Castillo — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:34:24 +0000

Manama, Bahrain – The InterContinental Bahrain Ramadan Iftar 2026 opened with an immersive pearl-inspired experience inside the Regency Tent. As part of the invited media, I attended the preview evening to explore this year’s Ramadan theme..

The first thing I noticed was the glow. Soft lighting reflected off pearl-inspired details across the space, giving the entire setting a warmth that felt intentional and intimate.

This Ramadan, InterContinental Bahrain has drawn inspiration from one of the Kingdom’s most meaningful symbols. Pearls. And you feel that story unfolding from the moment you arrive.

Under the theme “Celebrating Heritage, Embracing Togetherness,” the hotel has shaped its Iftar experience around Bahrain’s pearling legacy. The atmosphere felt refined yet welcoming. Conversations flowed easily between fellow media guests, partners, and families as they gathered to break their fast.

The buffet stretched elegantly across live cooking stations, where chefs prepared Ramadan favourites alongside international dishes. The aroma of freshly grilled meats and warm Arabic sweets filled the tent. I found myself pausing more than once, taking in the details before even deciding what to put on my plate. Live Arabic melodies played gently in the background, adding rhythm to the evening without overpowering the room.

In the lobby, the pearl story continued through curated artistic installations. Miracle Publishing House presented a collection of books and photography capturing Bahrain’s maritime past. French-born artist Tiny Om showcased locally sourced pearls that highlighted craftsmanship and authenticity. Nearby, renowned Bahraini sculptor Mahdi AlBannai exhibited sea-inspired pieces that reflected the depth and beauty of the Kingdom’s underwater heritage.

InterContinental Bahrain Ramadan Iftar 2026 Highlights

Beyond the Media Iftar evening, the experience expands into a thoughtfully curated Ramadan calendar. InterContinental Bahrain has shaped the season around elevated hospitality and refined cultural celebration:

Signature Iftar and Ghabga evenings inside the Regency Tent, defined by pearl-inspired interiors, live culinary theatre, and polished service

Ladies Night experiences, offering an intimate and sophisticated Ramadan setting for curated social gatherings

Gergaoun celebrations, styled with festive elegance to honour tradition in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere

Private corporate soirées, fully customised with tailored menus and seamless execution for high-level hosting

Bespoke outdoor catering, extending the hotel’s culinary craftsmanship and Ramadan aesthetic beyond the property

What resonates is the continuity. The pearl narrative flows through every touchpoint, from ambience to presentation, creating a Ramadan season that feels cohesive, elevated, and unmistakably InterContinental.

As the evening drew to a close, what stayed with me was not simply the scale of the buffet or the elegance of the setting. It was the quiet pride woven into every detail. Pearls are formed through time, patience, and resilience. In many ways, that mirrors Ramadan itself.Walking out of the tent, there was a sense of calm reflection. A reminder that heritage is not only remembered. It is experienced, shared, and carried forward. And for one evening in Manama, that story felt beautifully alive.

For reservations and more information, contact +973 17227777 or WhatsApp +973 36967701.

Cherish Ramadan at InterContinental Bahrain.

The post InterContinental Bahrain Turns Pearl Heritage Into a Ramadan Experience appeared first on PowerUp City.

DGC and BFLC Unite to Build One of Bahrain’s Largest F&B Platforms

Riza Castillo — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:02:33 +0000

Dividend Gate Capital and Bahrain Family Leisure Company formalize a landmark share-swap deal, creating one of Bahrain’s largest F&B platforms.

Seated (from left): Mohamed Khonji, Managing Director of Truffle Hospitality and Founder, Board Member and Managing Director of Dividend Gate Capital (DGC) and Managing Director of Truffle Hospitality, and Ahmed Janahi, Vice Chairman of Bahrain Family Leisure Company (BFLC), Group Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Hotels Group. Standing (from left): Bader Al Shaaban, General Manager of SoleCorp; Khaled Al Hammadi, Director of Truffle Hospitality and Founder, Board Member and CEO of DGC; Farooq AlKhaja, Board Member of Bahrain Family Leisure Company; and Ayman Gadallah, Head of Investment Banking at SICO.

A Defining Moment for the Kingdom’s Hospitality Sector

Bahrain’s food and beverage industry has always been fast-moving. New concepts emerge regularly, and competition keeps operators sharp.

This week, the focus shifted from momentum to structure.

At a signing ceremony at the Gulf Hotel, Dividend Gate Capital and Bahrain Family Leisure Company formalized a share-swap agreement that brings Truffle Hospitality Holding under BFLC’s listed framework. It is the first consolidation of its kind in Bahrain’s F&B sector at a public-company level.

The mechanics are financial. The implications are structural.

From Vision to Platform

Mohamed Khonji, Managing Director of Truffle Holding and Founder, Board Member and Managing Director of Dividend Gate Capital (DGC) answering media questions

Dividend Gate Capital entered hospitality through targeted investments in restaurant concepts with potential. Over time, those assets were consolidated under Truffle Hospitality, forming a centralized platform designed to manage operations cohesively and support scalable growth.

BFLC contributes a listed structure, an established presence in the Kingdom, and a shareholder base closely tied to Bahrain’s hospitality legacy, including Gulf Hotels Group.

Together, the platform will operate more than 20 brands across over 60 outlets in four GCC markets, generating annual revenues exceeding USD 20 million. The scale is significant, but the framework behind it is what positions it differently.

“Transactions of this nature are rare in the hospitality sector, particularly at a listed-company level. This is an opportunity to bring institutional discipline and portfolio thinking into this segment.” — Mohamed Khonji

This Is Where the Game Changes

The agreement reflects a shift already taking shape across the sector. Growth remains essential, but resilience increasingly depends on coordination.

Bringing both portfolios under one listed entity introduces tighter governance, integrated systems, and shared operational oversight. Procurement gains leverage, and expansion becomes more deliberate.

The combined group also moves forward with a debt-free balance sheet, providing flexibility in an industry where margins can narrow quickly.

During the ceremony, Mohamed Khonji described Bahrain as one of the region’s most dynamic F&B markets and a testing ground for concepts with regional potential. That role continues. What evolves now is the operational structure supporting that ambition.

Creative energy built the market. Structure gives it staying power.

The Industry Levels Up

Bahrain’s dining scene has traditionally been driven by entrepreneurial ambition and distinctive brands. This consolidation introduces portfolio strategy as a parallel strength.

Subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals, Dividend Gate Capital will become the majority shareholder of BFLC, positioning the combined entity for regional expansion with greater clarity and scale.

The shift is steady rather than dramatic. Hospitality in Bahrain is becoming more organized and more aligned with institutional standards. That evolution influences how capital is deployed and how growth is managed.

Creativity remains central. The systems around it are strengthening.

Closing Perspective

In established markets, scale usually reflects planning rather than chance.

This agreement suggests Bahrain’s F&B sector is entering that stage. The market remains competitive and concept-driven, now supported by stronger coordination and financial clarity.

The significance extends beyond the ceremony. It signals direction.

The industry is building for longevity, and longevity in hospitality depends on thoughtful structure as much as ambition.

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

Cy — 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.

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

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MUHARRAQ NIGHTS 2025 CELEBRATES BAHRAIN’S LIVING HERITAGE

Cy — 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

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Edge of Possibility: HH Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Ignites The Stage at TEDxDILMUN

PowerUp City — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 11:42:55 +0000

On November 22, 2025, the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted its first-ever edition of TEDxDilmun, transforming the grand halls of Raffles Al Areen Palace in Zallaq into an arena of ideas, curiosity, and electric energy. Under the theme “EDGE: Explore, Discover, Grow, Engage,” the event gathered influential voices from Bahrain, the region, and across the world and no moment was more anticipated than the arrival of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, keynote speaker and a figure whose philosophy of discipline, endurance, and leadership has resonated far beyond the kingdom’s borders .

You can feel the instant shift as he stepped on the stage. The crowd leaned in, phones lowered, conversations paused. Everyone’s anticipation was not wasted as he began with humor, teasing the organizers for telling him the theme was “endurance” and joking that he came prepared for a treadmill challenge instead of a talk. The audience erupted in laughter, the perfect icebreaker for what would become one of the event’s most impactful sessions.

Beneath the humor, his message carried weight.

The Power of Doing Something Hard on Purpose

Shaikh Nasser shared stories of people coming to him for advice and how he always asks the same question:
“When was the last time you did something hard on purpose?”

From that single question, he explained, you can understand a person’s resilience, drive, and readiness to grow. It was a powerful moment in the room, a collective pause as everyone privately measured themselves against that question. His message was clear, growth demands discomfort. Purpose requires sacrifice. Success is built in silence.

The Audience Exercise: A Glimpse Into the Next Five Years

Midway through his talk, he shifted gears and invited the audience into a guided visualization.
“Close your eyes,” he said, “and imagine yourself in five years without quitting anything you wanted to achieve.”

The hall fell silent. Eyes shut. Breath held.

Then he asked for a show of hands from those who saw that version of themselves clearly. Hands rose across the room before he delivered the reality check, that vision disappears every morning at 5 a.m. if you don’t wake up early enough to chase it.

It was sharp, honest, and unforgettable.

“Effort multiplied by consistency and purpose is equal to transformation.”

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa

The Formula for Transformation

Near the peak of his speech, His Highness revealed a non-mathematical formula he created as a blueprint for personal evolution:

Effort × Consistency × Purpose = Transformation

In that moment, it felt like the unifying thread of his entire message.

Effort means pushing through discomfort
Consistency means showing up every day
Purpose means knowing your why

He asked the audience to identify which variable they were weakest in. From the quiet nods in the room, it was clear the formula struck home.

Noise, Sacrifice, and the Attitude That Wins Championships

Shaikh Nasser spoke candidly about the “noise” that surrounds ambitious people, doubt, fear, opinions, comparisons. He urged everyone to eliminate that noise, especially at the very beginning of any journey, which he described as the hardest, most fragile stage of all.

He spoke about sacrifice, the unseen hours, the silent battles, the discomfort no one applauds. He shared his world championship victories, not as boasts, but as examples of how dedication pushes a person beyond limits the world assumes they have.

Beyond winning, his journey was a proof that attitude decides outcomes.
“Point to yourself,” he told us, and the room did exactly that.
“You are the one who makes yourself from inside.”

It was a moment of collective grounding.

Resilience Over Deterrence as the National Lesson and Personal Mandate

Shaikh Nasser extended his message beyond individuals to nations, explaining how countries that choose resilience over deterrence shape the future. Adaptability, readiness, and silent preparation, these, he said, are the qualities that will define the next 20 years, especially in a world dominated by data, cyber resilience, and AI.

His parallel was unmistakable:
The same principles that shape a strong nation shape a strong individual.

Leaving the Room Changed

Just before leaving the stage, His Highness led the room through one final exercise. A simple gesture with a powerful meaning.

He asked everyone to label themselves and delete it. Simple but a gesture that made each one in the room realize that the only person making it impossible for them to achieve a goal is themselves. A challenge was then left to everyone, to do something about our ‘impossible’ in the next 72 hours.

The finale was designed to echo inward. No theatrics, no exaggerated motivation, just truth rooted in discipline, sacrifice, and relentless commitment.

As people rose to their feet, applauding, many of us exchanged glances that said the same thing, TEDxDilmun’s first edition shifted mindsets.

And on that stage in Zallaq, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa demonstrated what transformation is.

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