A dive crew sets sail on a shoo’i boat.
Abdulla Al Khan, 1980.
Manama Port, 1970s, Bapco Refining

CONNECTING SEAS: SMELL LIBRARIES

Explore the Kingdom of Bahrain’s maritime heritage and trade relations through an immersive smell experience. Visitors embark on an olfactory journey through trade and time as they explore a unique installation highlighting Bahrain’s coastal identity, connectivity, and commercial activity. Artist and researcher Sissel Tolaas has created two smell libraries that recreate the invisible yet deeply evocative history of commerce, geography, and the natural world—allowing smell to serve as a guide through time and place.
At work at the Alba aluminium smelter, one of the world’s largest smelters, Bahrain, 2020

FROM CRAFTING TO MANUFACTURING:
A TACTILE EXPERIENCE

Production has long been woven into Bahrain’s DNA, evolving from traditional craftsmanship to advanced industries. Today, the Kingdom stands as a regional and international manufacturing hub, seamlessly blending heritage with innovation to shape its economic future.

The gallery highlights Bahrain’s local production capabilities and explores the transformation of its industries through a tactile display of objects.

Pearl divers preparing to dive, Abdulla Al Khan, 1964

PEARLING LEGACIES:
AN AUDIO-SENSORY EXPERIENCE

An audio-sensory experience that explores Bahrain’s deep-rooted connection to the pearl trade, a legacy that has shaped the nation’s history and economy for centuries. Renowned for producing some of the world’s finest natural pearls, this exhibition highlights the historical significance of the pearling industry while showcasing the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to preserve this tradition through innovative sustainability initiatives and responsible pearl diving practices.

As part of the exhibition, Bahraini artist, composer, and researcher Hasan Hujairi will create a special sound installation inspired by the legacy of Fjiri, a musical tradition inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Colony of Socotra Cormorant in Hawar Islands - Bahrain, Abdulqader Saeed Khamis

NATURAL LEGACIES:
A VISUALLY IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

A thematic gallery that explores Bahrain’s abundant marine life and its ecological connections. This segment showcases the Kingdom’s vibrant seascapes and natural marine attractions, through artistic visuals emphasizing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s growing ecotourism sector.

The exhibition also highlights the country’s commitment to environmental conservation, shedding light on its sustainability initiatives and future ambitions to protect marine biodiversity and promote responsible stewardship of its waters.

Aerial view of the capital Manama

FUTURE VISIONS:
A VISIONARY ISLAND OPEN TO THE FUTURE

For over 4,000 years, Bahrain has been a gateway for trade and innovation, driving economic growth through its strategic location, business-friendly ecosystem, skilled workforce, and agile regulation. Today, the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to shape the future of industry by creating an environment where businesses can thrive, scale, and lead across all sectors.

The business exhibition showcases Bahrain’s dynamic economy—from its position as a regional leader in sectors like financial services, ICT, and manufacturing, to its commitment to human capital development and cross-border collaboration. Here, visitors can explore how the Kingdom unlock new opportunities for companies looking to expand their operations into one of the most ambitious and fast-evolving regions.

Through a series of exhibits, industry insights, and real-world success stories, visitors will learn about Bahrain’s pioneering efforts which empower business, drive digital transformation, and foster strategic partnerships. Step into the future of business and experience a vision for a globally connected, innovation-driven economy—one that is open to world, to the future, and to you.