Mai Al Khalifa is an influential international figure known for her work in the field of culture, art and sustainable development. She was listed as one of the 50 most influential women in the Arab World by Forbes Magazine in 2005. Acknowledging the power of culture as a driver of sustainable development, Al Khalifa has spearheaded innovative projects to develop infrastructure to deliver on the SDGs. The International Diplomatic Club Amicability interviewed her.
First of all I'd like to take this opportunity to express how honored we are to have such an inspiring and prominent figure here that done so much for his country and for the cultural heritage. I'd also like to ask you if you can share with us your impression of Russia. I know that you've already visited our country, Saint Petersburg, to be precise. What is your impression of our country?
My first impression were warm and welcome people. I visited Russia in this Februar. Since the first visit i have fallen in love with the country and with St. Petersburg in particular, because we had an important exhibition there representing our heritage, our identity and our history. You know that Bahrain is a very small island with rich history. We presented our country at Hermitage, focusing on evolution of the country from Dilmun civilization to modern days.
Can you please tell us what forms of arts are popular now in Bahrain? We know that's at the Bolshoi theater has been on tour in Bahrain not so long ago.
I know about the tour. Whenever we have such an issue in our national theatre the tickets are immediately sold out.
Did you have any other collaborations with Russian cultural or art projects in Bahrain?
We had a lot but we posponed a lot of them because of the pandemic. One of them supposed to be in Hermitage and focused on pearls which Bahrain is famous for. I hope we will be able to arrange it the next year.
We too. And how do you see cultural interaction between our countries during the post covid erа?
We try to continue activities now through social media and meeting, if possible. We try to continue all projects, but although through social media we can connect to a lot of people, it is very different from what was before. We like more to be close to the people and to enjoy having them at our events.
As a result of strategically good location tBahrain has always been an international hub for trade and for multicultural dialogue. Considering these facts how would you describe the role of Bahrain in promoting its culture and maybe even multiculturalism within the gulf and even beyond it?
From the ancient times we considered Bahrain as open country, throughout the time Bahrain has been opened to everyone and has given everyone the chance to deliver their ideas, to mix with the people of Bahrain.
How does interreligious an interfaith dialogue coexist in Bahrain and are there any cooperation with International organizations in this field?
Of course there is a lot of cooperation, exhibitions at museums, for example, last week there was an exhibition from Sain-Petersburg, this week we are having a jewelery exhibition in Italy. They all attract a lot of guests, so I can say there is always something happening in our cultural field. My organisation also attracts many people, and it is important to mention that people from different countries visit Bahrain to give lectures on different topics.
Talking about universities and Colleges, what is your view on the younger Generation's interest in culture of Bahrain and what is your message to them?
I believe in young generation and I would always like to encourage them to open doors to other people, to mix and to promote their own country, because it is our mission to develop new infrastructure for cultural activity.
May I ask a little bit personal question, what is the secret of your beauty?
I think, hard work, travelling and having target of your life makes one forget about their age.
Have you always known that you will be involved in political activities?
It just came naturally, I didn't target this kind of work, it happened because i started research about my grandfather, I published a book, then second one, then I started my first cultural project and soon I was offered to be the part of an official department responsible for the sector of culture and geritage. From that my story started.
So can we tell that you are following your family tradition?
Definetely.
You have written so many books. You write a lot, tell me how much time do you spend on it?
It was all my life and took all my time. When I started working in Bahrain it took me ten years to publish seven books, one of them was about my great grandfather and I wrote it for three years. This was the only thing I concentrated on, I didn't have any social life and focused only on researches. Then I established my Centre, it completely took me away from writing because of the other activities. Right now I'm writing again a book dedicated to the celebration of the 20th anniversary of our centre. Today I don't spend all my time on writing as it was before, now I wake up about 5 o'clock in the morning and spend two hours on it. I think now I have to tell something to people who will continue my work, my mission when I go.
And the last and a bit provocative question. What is more important, social life or a woman's life?
I don't see the difference. I am happy with myself. And I don't have position between these two brackets. I don't wear another mask to go to the office. I can remember beautiful words of the previous emir who told me to be myself and not to be afraid of it.
Very wisdom words. Thank you very much for your interview!