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“Management, without creativity, is very sterile”
It is always interesting to meet someone whose reputation precedes him. Everyone in Bahrain speaks of ‘Shaikh Rashid’ as a man whose artistic ability and humanity entwine whenever his name is mentioned.
Now one of the country’s best-known painters, Shaikh Rashid got his artistic start at an annual high school art show in 1968, The late Amir, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and the Prime Minister, Shaikh Khalifa bin Sulman Al Khalifa attended the event, and both men displayed genuine interest in the aspiring pupil’s artwork.
Although he still paints, Shaikh Rashid – who is now Interior Ministry Under-Secretary for Immigration and Passports – also has a practical side, which is why he said he works at the Ministry: “It’s hard to make money as an artist.”
Having said that, Shaikh Rashid says art is everywhere – one just needs to be open to appreciate it. “Art is surrounding us, we are breathing it, wearing it, using it on a daily basis, but many of use just don’t see it.”
“If you take art away, nothing would be left. There would be, for example, no jewelers, no carpenters, no chefs – for all of them are artists.”
Bahrain is a country filled with artistic people, Shaikh Rashid believes, because of the Bahraini lifestyle.
“If you look back 50 years ago, you can see that the typical Bahraini family’s lifestyle was full of art. The preparation of our food is quite sophisticated, it has a lot of ingredients and you must be creative to prepare it properly. Clothes at that time were very selective: Bahrainis wanted only the finest cashmeri wool, cotton and fine silk.
“This is an indication that Bahrainis had certain, sophisticated tastes, which not everyone around had at that time. Art comes from within, so if a person feel these needs for fine foods, lovely clothes and beautiful housing, it means he has a certain creativity within him.”
This creativity is reflected in the youth of today, said Shaikh Rashid, who notes that many young Bahraini artists are gaining worldwide recognition.
“It is very remarkable that so many of our youngsters have won so international awards worldwide. I think it is because of this creativeness which is inherent in our society.”
Shaikh Rashid says managing a business is also a form of art. “On the management side, you need art because management without creativity means a very sterile life. So you’ve got to be creative to development any sort of management.”
One example of such creativity in management can be seen in his ministry. “We are encouraging expatriates to take up resident in Bahrain,” says Shaikh Rashid. “With our tax free environment, we are encouraging them to stay here when they retire.”
Even certain expats from GCC states are being welcomed to retire in Bahrain. “Anyone who worked as a professional in any GCC states -- doctors, businessmen – we will provide them with permanent residency here.”
But the invitation doesn’t stop there – thus showing a bit more creativity – Shaikh Rashid said anyone who is financially capable of supporting both himself and a family is also welcome to take up residency in Bahrain. A decision made easier by the Bahrain government’s recent decision to change legislation to allow expats to buy, and fully own, property in the country.
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Table of Contents The Al Khalifa Dynasty - Ruling Bahrain Since 1783 |
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Shortly after his graduation from high school, the Amir arranged a scholarship for the young artist to go to university in England. He said this would not only broaden his horizons but also help him develop his artistic talents. Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa was soon participating in British art exhibitions, and shortly his shows broadened to exhibitions in France, Switzerland, the U.S. and Jordan.