Former President of IOV
Poet, Cultural Visionary, and Champion of Living Heritage
It is with profound sorrow that the International Organization of Folk Art (IOV) mourns the passing of Ali Abdullah Khalifa, former President of IOV, distinguished poet, folklorist, cultural heritage advocate, and one of the most influential cultural leaders of Bahrain, the Arab world, and the international folklore community.
For decades, Ali Abdullah Khalifa devoted his life to the preservation of folk culture, the safeguarding of living heritage, and the promotion of dialogue among peoples and civilizations.
Through his work as a poet, scholar, publisher, and cultural leader, he helped bring the voices, traditions, and collective memories of communities to the international stage. He reminded us that cultural heritage is not merely a legacy of the past, but a living force that strengthens identity, fosters mutual understanding, and connects humanity across borders.
Beyond his service to IOV, Ali Abdullah Khalifa was widely recognized as a pioneering figure in the cultural life of Bahrain and the Arab Gulf region. Through his literary achievements, cultural initiatives, and institutional leadership, he played a significant role in documenting, preserving, and promoting Arab folk traditions and cultural expressions. His lifelong commitment to safeguarding heritage contributed not only to the cultural development of Bahrain, but also to the broader recognition of traditional culture as a vital component of sustainable development and intercultural dialogue.
As founder and leader of important cultural institutions in Bahrain, he dedicated himself to creating platforms for research, publication, artistic expression, and international cultural cooperation. His efforts helped strengthen connections between local communities and the global cultural heritage movement, leaving a lasting impact that extends far beyond national borders.
Ali’s relationship with IOV spanned nearly half a century. Over the course of his long and distinguished service, he held numerous leadership responsibilities before being elected President of IOV. Throughout his tenure, he worked tirelessly to strengthen international cooperation, expand cultural exchange, and promote the safeguarding of folk art and intangible cultural heritage. At critical moments in the organization’s history, his leadership, perseverance, and vision helped sustain and advance the mission of IOV, while strengthening its connections with cultural communities throughout the world.
I had the privilege of working closely with Ali for many years. During his presidency, I served as Vice President of IOV, and together we shared a commitment to strengthening the organization and promoting intercultural understanding through folk art and cultural heritage. His wisdom, generosity, humility, and unwavering dedication earned him the respect, admiration, and friendship of colleagues across continents.
In 2025, as health challenges gradually limited his public activities, I was entrusted with the responsibility of succeeding him as President of IOV. I remain deeply conscious that I inherited not only an office, but also a mission that he carried with dignity, vision, and commitment for many years. His example continues to guide our work and inspire our efforts to serve cultural communities around the world.
On behalf of the International Organization of Folk Art, I extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and to all those whose lives were touched by his work, leadership, and friendship.
Ali Abdullah Khalifa leaves behind a remarkable legacy of cultural service, international friendship, and human understanding. His contributions will continue to inspire future generations of artists, scholars, cultural practitioners, and heritage advocates around the world.
His voice may now be silent, but the cultural ideals he championed will continue to resonate wherever communities safeguard their traditions, celebrate their identities, and pass their heritage to future generations.
May his memory live on in the cultures he helped preserve, the people he brought together, and the bridges of understanding he built between nations.
Prof. Chen Ping
President
International Organization of Folk Art (IOV World)
Beijing China 23 June 2026
