Inauguration of “Manama of Al-Gosaibi” in Bahrain with support from Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" Foundation
As part of the 14th edition of the Spring of Culture Fesitval, and with the support from the Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" Foundation, chaired by HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research on Saturday (March 2, 2019) inaugurated "Manama of Al-Gosaibi", a cultural edifice dedicated to the life of the extraordinary Saudi figure, the late Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, a man who loved Bahrain and was known as many things; poet, ambassador, minister, reformist and liberal.
The event is line with Shaikh Ibrahim Centre ongoing pursuit of its mission to preserve cultural and architectural heritage in collaboration with others who believe in the role of culture as the identity of society. This latest landmark is a vibrant cultural centre in memory of one of the Gulf region’s leading cultural figures, Ghazi al-Gosaibi. With the support by Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" Foundation funding the renovation and restoration of an old house currently owned by Mr. Salah Al-Gosaibi, the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre commissioned an expert international team to highlight the intellectual heritage of Al-Gosaibi.
On this occasion, Her Excellency Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre’s Board of Trustees, said, “I am truly delighted to deliver on Ghazi Al-Gosaibi’s wish to have a home in the city which he cherished, sang about, fell in love in, returned to and never left.”
Her Excellency went on add, “I am grateful to HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for backing the renovation of the house to be used as a museum of Al-Gosaibi’s belongings, as well to the family of Khalifa Al-Gosaibi which donated its home to be a home for Ghazi Al-Gosaibi, for Manama and for Fareej Al-Fadhel; the neighbourhood which brought together two nations: Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
The event was attended by Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia Bint Majid Al Saud, Secretary General of Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global", she stated that this initiative complements AP’s efforts to support cultural centers and creative programs that rely on the Arab cultural arts and the media in order to foster the global understanding needed for peace in an increasingly interdependent world. It is an extension of AP’s support to a number of institutions e.g. the renovation of the Islamic Arts Hall in the Louver Museum, and In the Pergamon Museum, in Berlin.
It is worth noting that the "Manama of Al-Gosaibi" became the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre’s third affiliated landmark in Manama after the Ibrahim Al-Arrayed House of Poetry and Khalaf House, bringing the Centre’s total affiliated sites across Bahrain to 27 culturally significant landmarks.
For over 39 years, Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" has supported and spent more than 4 billion dollars on social welfare, and initiated more than 1000 projects in over 189 countries, managed by 10 Saudi female members, reaching more than 976 million beneficiaries around the world, regardless of gender, race, or religion. Alwaleed Philanthropies "Global" collaborates with a range of philanthropic, governmental, and educational organizations to combat poverty, empower women and youth, develop communities, provide disaster relief and create cultural understanding through education. It seeks to build bridges for a more compassionate, tolerant, and accepting world.
