Bahrain's capital will find itself at the centre of Arab culture for the whole of next year, after being named Cultural Capital of the Arab World 2012.

It is the first time Manama has been selected for the initiative, which was launched by the Arab League in 1996.

Events will take place for the entire year under the theme 'love, hope and the right to be different', an appropriate choice given divisions that have emerged in Bahrain as a result of unrest since February.

They will cover different aspects of Arab culture such as art, architecture, poetry, heritage, music, design, literature and theatre.

Some of Bahrain's historic landmarks will get a makeover as part of activities and there are also plans for new heritage projects.

Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa yesterday announced Manama had been chosen as next year's host city during a press conference at Bahrain National Museum.

'This exceptional event is not only an accomplishment for the Culture Ministry but also for every Bahraini who lives on this planet,' she said. – TradeArabia News Service