PEOPLE | interview Womanthismonth.com November 2023 77 recently chosen to represent Bahrain in Egypt at the World Tourism Day 2023 celebration in September. The event was held at Marsa Allam City, under the auspices of Egypt’s Ministry of Culture Fine Arts Department and featured 50 fine artists from 22 countries. “The seven-day event was a mind-opening experience; it showed the impact that art has not only on a cultural level but also on an industrial and economical level,” she says. “During this experience we had the opportunity to visit several monuments and tourism attractions. We spent a full day at the Red Sea, and another at Luxor, and were given a historical brief of the monuments. We also experienced a lavish sea side space where we could create art. Finally, on the day of the exhibition, major business figures and art collectors attended,” she adds. With Manama being named the capital of Gulf Tourism for 2024, she believes that there is a plethora of ideas, projects and events which could play a significant role. “We must collaborate with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and the Ministry of Information to highlight and further rejuvenate the tourism industry in the kingdom,” she says. “We need to bring the Kingdom’s rich heritage, stories, culture, music, traditional attire, crafts, jewellery and traditions which were relevant during the Delmonian era into the spotlight. This would create a platform for local and international artists to come together to reflect their understanding and appreciation for the eternal civilisation,” she emphasises. Commenting on the Kingdom’s art scene, she concludes: “The art movement in Bahrain emerged in 1952 with the establishment of art and literature clubs and communities. Since then, Bahrain’s artists have proved to be shining stars on an international level in the art community.” To view more of Mona’s art, follow @mona_elrubi on Instagram for more information. Bahrainthismonth.com/gallery bystander La Med Brunch A delightful brunch was held at La Med Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==