JEHAD BIN HASSAN BUKAMAL Minister of Information

Background and Priorities

With regards to my experience in being a Member of Parliament, I believe it gave me a chance to better understand the different stages of political development in which the Kingdom has gone through. I have seen where Bahrain has reached and where it needs to reach. According to this, I can work to improve and develop the local media, parallel to the coming transformation in the political arena on a national front.

As for Bahrain becoming a role model for the region, I believe that it has always been one. Despite its small size, Bahrain has always been ahead of its time, and has always had an impact on brotherly countries within the region. Bahrain has a track record of many first time accomplishments on a regional level. Bahrain also owes a great deal to its forward thinking leadership that has allowed Bahrain to continuously progress and develop.

The Kingdom of Bahrain pays a great deal of attention to human advancement, as there are numerous projects that aim to invest in human recourses, develop education, encourage scientific research and utilize the latest technology underway.

Bahrain has also succeeded in securing its position as an investment platform, attracting foreign capital and acting as a financial and commercial center due to its suitable regulations, solid infrastructure, and stable political environment.

Information and Promotion Strategy suited for the Kingdom

Bahrain maintains excellent relationships with local and international media and has taken many steps to realize more international coverage of its issues of concern. We have yet to fulfill our ambitious aspirations but the country is opening up more and more as we speak. The level of press freedom available today has never before been experienced within our region. The repercussion of this open-house position has yet to be portrayed properly in the international media's coverage of local affairs.

The kingdom has always shared a friendly historic friendship with the United States of America. We have a very active embassy in Washington that hosts events at the embassy and at other locations such as the National Press Club and University campuses in addition to Arab and Gulf related events in the USA. Also, a number of official delegations from Bahrain visit the USA throughout the year.

Freedom of Press and Empowering the Media

The Ministry has been at the forefront of these reforms, as it is the body that implements the laws set forth by parliament. His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has repeatedly called for the advancement of the freedom of expression. Recently, on October 17, 2007 when addressing the National Assembly, His Majesty stressed press freedom's vital role in the journey of progress. He stated that all "endeavors must be accompanied by progressive laws that guarantee the independence of the press and the freedom of honest and responsible expression. We consider them the guarantor of democracy and we regard independent media as our partner in the nation-building process".

A vital role the Ministry has also played is the establishment of the Foreign Media Affairs directorate. Foreign Media Affairs is the government directorate responsible for Bahrain's image in the international media and works to liaise between international organizations and different government institutions to reduce bureaucracy and provide legitimate sources of information. Foreign Media Affairs continues to establish and maintain contacts with international media organizations, think tanks, research centers, non-governmental organizations, as well as government units that share an interest in the Middle East; specifically in Bahrain and the neighboring Gulf States. Foreign Media Affairs also works to support journalists and provide them with any assistance they may need while in the Kingdom or abroad.

By working to reduce red tape and allow for easy access to legitimate sources of information, Foreign Media Affairs works as a fourth estate, making sure people are provided with the true picture of current events and to help the world better understand the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Society then benefits from this more liberal approach in that people are now more inclined to engage in free and open discussions. People are also more forward with their opinions, as the many columnists in Bahrain have shown. This is progress in my opinion, as the government can better understand the people and address their needs accordingly, thanks to this mode of communication now open to all who wish to engage in discussion.

As for the role of the media in the progress of democratic reform, it obviously has a big role to play now. The media must work to ensure that society understands the progress, its goals, and help educated society while promoting the cause. The media must play its role by providing due and fair coverage of the advancements made. They must cover the parliamentary debates, the progression of laws, and ensure that the people know that democratic reforms in this country are continuing to go forward.

Tourism and Cultural Heritage

Tourism and Cultural Heritage can be promoted through both the public and private sectors, each with a vital role to play. It is up to the relevant authorities to share the responsibility and make a study to show how this goal of establishing Bahrain as a cultural and family destination can be realized. Budgets must be allocated towards this sector and it should be accountable for the promotion of tourism and cultural heritage by pushing for more projects to better serve the sector. In addition, it is the authority's duty to provide more access to different parties and incentives.

An example of the success of the joined efforts between the private and public sectors is the Spring of Culture, a high quality cultural tourism program linking the world to Bahrain's cultural heritage and archeological sites. This event brings together cultural performances from all over the world, book launches, conferences, forums and seminars. It is an annual event that works to further expose Bahrain as a globally attractive artistic and cultural hub.

Bahrain also holds exhibitions in numerous foreign countries, in conjunction with our embassies abroad, in order to make people more aware of Bahrain. This works to better educate foreigners, as well as attract visitors into the country. Bahrain also participates in International Cultural Festivals where Bahrain's cultural heritage is on display in terms of traditional dance and song. We also have contracts with international museums to hold exhibits with them abroad and vice versa. For example, last year Bahrain was the first Arab country in the Middle East and North Africa to host a roaming exhibition of Pharaoh Tutankhamun; an exhibit that proved to be a success.

Other activities include the work and progress of the excavation sites in Bahrain, and their documented findings. Also, our embassies distribute books that promote Bahrain which are commissioned by the Ministry of Information.

The Bahrain International Circuit has definitely put Bahrain on the map; however, I do not believe that it is Bahrain's only claim to fame. Bahrain has a variety of attractions that are either underway or already established. Examples of such projects would be Al Areen Resort and Wildlife Park, the Lost Paradise of Dilmun water park, the Banyan Tree resort. As for projects underway, we have the Four Seasons Hotel and Resort, a part of the Bahrain Bay project, and The Lagoon, a commercial development at the heart of the Amwaj artificial island development. Other developments include Marina West, Riffa Views, Durrat Al-Bahrain, Lulu Island, Villa Mar, in addition to the financial developments: The Bahrain Financial Harbour and the Bahrain World Trade Center.

Bahrain also holds exhibitions that attract people from all over the world. Such exhibitions include the industrial, jewelry, beauty and real estate sectors to name a few.

Water sports are very popular as well in Bahrain, in addition to Golf, as the Riffa Golf Club is a world class course frequented by locals as well as foreigners.

Bahrain also works with international organizations, such as National Geographic, to help produce documentaries on Bahrain's rich culture and history, as Bahrain has a number of excavation and historical sites it is very proud to expose to the world.