Path | Inscription on UNESCO
Nomination
The UNESCO World Heritage Convention was adopted in 1972 and ratified by 195 States Parties, and the Kingdom of Bahrain acceded to it in 1991. Bahrain inscribed its first World Heritage Site in 2005, “Qal’at al-Bahrain – Ancient Harbour and Capital of Dilmun.” In 2012, “Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy” was inscribed, granting it global recognition for its Outstanding Universal Value. The site was inscribed under criterion (iii) as a unique testimony to the pearling traditions that prevailed in the Arabian Gulf from the 2nd century CE to the early twentieth century.
Cultural Significance
The site comprises an integrated ensemble of oyster beds, seashore, fort, and urban structures, reflecting the economic, social, and cultural practices of the pearling era. These components are preserved through ongoing efforts led by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, which works to safeguard the site, ensure public access, and enhance understanding of its historical context. The site also embodies intangible heritage, including maritime practices, arts and songs associated with the sea, as well as shared memory, all of which remain a living part of Bahrain’s cultural identity.