Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) named Bahraini city of al-Muharraq as the 2018 Capital of Islamic Culture for the Arab region in recognition of its rich culture, heritage and historical importance to the Gulf region as a political, trading and economic center.

Under the patronage of King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Arad Fort a special celebration was held in Muharraq, which was attended by Islamic culture ministers and leading dignitaries.

Muharraq is located on the eastern shore of Bahrain and it was formerly the capital of the country and is considered the home to many architectural landmarks and ancient artifacts that pay testament to its heritage and historical importance. The city is also known as an established center for contemporary and ancient Islamic art.

Following the announcement, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa declared that the recognition of Muharraq for its rich heritage and contemporary and ancient Islamic art sheds light on one of the many hidden cultural gems inside the country.

One of the most famous landmarks in the city is the Pearling Path, a UNESCO world heritage site and 3.5 kilometers trail which is home to numerous historical buildings, Arad Fort, the house of Sheikh Isa bin Ali, and many other historical buildings that reflect the story of Muharraq.

The Director General of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), Dr Abdulaziz Othman Altwaijri, has participated in the official ceremony in Muharraq, Kingdom of Bahrain, on the occasion of the launch of Muharraq's celebration as the Arab region's capital of Islamic culture 2018.

ISESCO, as part of its contribution to this celebration, prepared a comprehensive programme covering a number of activities falling within its areas of competence, most notably holding an extraordinary session of the Islamic Conference of Culture Ministers in Muharraq on 28 October 2018.