Illustrates commitment to restoration of architectural landmark

Manama, July 25, 2011: American Express Middle East announced the signing of a sponsorship agreement with the Bahrain Ministry of Culture to support the restoration of Bab Al Bahrain (Gateway of Bahrain), an architectural landmark located in the Customs Square in Manama.

Organised under the guidance of Her Excellency Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, the Minister of Culture, the refurbishment of Bab Al Bahrain is part of the Ministry's "Invest in Culture" initiative.  

American Express Middle East, which has been headquartered in Manama since 1977, will provide funding for the renovation of the memorial office of His Great Highness the late Amir, Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, which is situated within Bab Al Bahrain.

Her Excellency Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa said: "We are pleased to welcome American Express Middle East as a key business partner in the restoration of Bab Al Bahrain. With its substantial financial support, American Express Middle East is continuing its long-standing commitment to support economic development and cultural life in Bahrain. We look forward to working together through the course of the year as we continue to move forward with this exciting project."

William Keliehor, Chief Executive Officer, American Express Middle East said: "Supporting the communities where we live and work is an extension of the service ethic at the heart of American Express. Bab Al Bahrain is an important cultural landmark in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and we are proud to be part of its renovation. We look forward to working closely with the Ministry to contribute towards the preservation of Bahrain's rich cultural heritage."

Designed by Sir Charles Belgrave, adviser to the Emir, Bab Al Bahrain was first built in 1945. It marks the main entrance to the Manama souq, and initially stood close to the water's edge, although extensive land reclamation has added new construction and roads around the monument. Refurbished in 1986 to incorporate Islamic architectural features, the building consists of a huge arch, below which runs a road.

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About American Express Middle East
AMEX (Middle East) B.S.C. (c) - American Express Middle East provides reliable, flexible, tailored and rewarding solutions for its Cardmembers, Merchants and Business Partners in the region since 1977. American Express Middle East became a joint venture company in 1992, owned by Mawarid Investment Limited and American Express.

American Express is the Card for those individuals who value service, unmatched flexibility, access and daily rewards wherever they are in the world. Operating in 18 markets in the Middle East and North Africa region, the company issues dollar currency Credit and Charge Cards: The Centurion® Card, The Platinum Card®, The American Express® Gold Card, The American Express® Card (Green) as well as Company and Corporate Cards. American Express Middle East also offers a range of local currency-denominated Credit Cards to give Cardmembers across the region even greater flexibility. American Express Cards are accepted at millions of locations in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

For further information, please contact:
Sabine Khalil
PR and Communications Manager
AMEX (Middle East) B.S.C. (c)
Tel: (+973) 17 557739
Email sabine.khalil@americanexpress.com.bh

Sudha Chandran / Liam Turner
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-3355969 / 971-4-3344550
Fax: 971-4-3356080
Email: s.chandran@asdaa.com  / l.turner@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2011