Exploring Development in Bahrain

The Middle East has grabbed headlines around the world this year, as long standing political and social institutions are being challenged by new progressive ideas. One country in the heart of this story is Bahrain, an oil rich island nation off the coast of Saudi Arabia, which also serves as a financial hub of the region. South-South News visited Bahrain to get a firsthand look at this nation, which is trying to maintain traditions and customs while modernizing and providing for its people. We document the nation’s ongoing efforts to achieve the U.N.’s Millennium Development Goals, especially in the fields of education and gender equality.

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Tuesday, November 1

The trip began with a meeting with Shaikh Hussam Bin Essa Al Khalifa Head of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister's Court, who welcomed both South-South News and the U.S. Federation for Peace in the Middle East to his Kingdom and wished them the best of luck in the days to come. Our news team also met with other important Bahraini officials, including Fatioma Al-Blooshi, the Minister of Human Rights and Social Development, and Shaikha Mai Al Khalifa, the Minister of Culture. After a morning of official visits and discussions, our team visited the National History Museum, where they learned the complex and vibrant history of civilization on the island of Bahrain, and its historical relationship with neighbors in the diverse region.

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Wednesday, November 2

On Wednesday our news team focuses on some of the structures that comprise the Kingdom of Bahrain; most fundamentally its education system. We visited the Hawar International School for a firsthand view of one of the best schools in the country, which boasts one of the best school networks in the reigon. Afterward, our team member with members of Parliament, who expounded on the merits – and shortcomings – of Bahrain’s government, and explained their work in an Islamic nation working towards greater democracy. The meetings concluded with a discussion with Ali- Al Qaed, the Director General at Central Informatic Organisation and one of Bahrain’s leaders when it comes to e-government. Finally, we took a guided tour around the city to see where Bahrain was making headlines in the news in this tumultuous year.

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Thursday, November 3

Our third day in Bahrain consisted of more official visits; first with the Supreme Council for Women. Bahrain is one of the most liberal countries in the region when it comes to gender equality issues, and the Supreme Council for Women, chaired by the King’s wife, works to promote women’s topics throughout the country. Afterward, we continued meeting important government officials, like Shaikh Abdullatif Almahmoud, who serves as Chairman of the Gathering of National Unity, Peter Grohmann, the United Nations Resident Representative, and Basim Alhamer, the Minister of Housing. Finally, as members of the media ourselves, we visited a major Bahraini newspaper to see how the country conducts its journalism.

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Friday, November 4

The end of the work week saw the end of our stay in Bahrain, as we spent time sightseeing before departing for New York. Skyscrapers abound in Bahrain as it modernizes itself to stay economically effective and dynamic, and in the capital city of Manama, a major revitalization project is underway as the government works to update houses and buildings that have fallen into disrepair after years – sometimes thousands of years – of use. We also saw the bridge that links Bahrain with its neighbor Saudi Arabia, and other striking architecture around the country.