The third biggest amphitheatre in the Arab world, after Cairo Opera House and Al Sultania Opera in Oman, was opened last month (November) in Bahrain.

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa inaugurated the 1,001-seat National Amphitheatre next to Bahrain National Museum in the presence of His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

"The figure 1,001 is highly symbolic, as it epitomises the legendary One Thousand and One Nights," said Culture Minister Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa.

The edifice, which covers 11,869 sq m, includes an auditorium capable of accommodating 100 people for training programmes, small ceremonies and workshops. It has parking for 290 cars, apart from the museum parking lots. Its main contractor was Cyprus Building and Road Construction Company (Cybarco).

Proceeds from the amphitheatre will go towards a "culture fund" to help Bahraini artists and other cultural projects in Bahrain.