FRAGRANT perfumes, fresh spices, colourful hand-crafted products, oriental crackers and roasted nuts were among items on display at the popular Autumn Fair, which kicked off on Thursday at the Exhibition World Bahrain.
More than 650 exhibitors from 14 countries are taking part in the 33rd edition of the much-awaited event, which was inaugurated by Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi.
Hundreds of visitors flocked to the centre early morning to purchase a range of products.
“We are pleased with the return of the Autumn Fair with such great momentum, which heralds the recovery of the exhibition industry sector in Bahrain, and its positive impact on the commercial and tourism movement, in general,” said Ms Al Sairafi.
“The Exhibition World Bahrain is hosting the event for the first time and it proves once again the importance of this global centre and the services and facilities it provides to exhibitors and visitors.
“This is one of the biggest and most popular exhibitions in Bahrain and we expect twice the number of visitors this year as it’s being held at the new centre.”
The minister toured stalls showcasing products ranging from spices, honey, desserts, bukhoor and perfumes.
Exhibitors from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Oman, Pakistan, Turkey, Sudan, Palestine, Thailand and Yemen are taking part.
UAE-based Taif Al Emarat general manager Haitham Abdul Baki, who has been participating in the fair for more than a decade, told the GDN that perfumes and bukhoor mixtures are much sought after every year and hence prepared months in advance for the exhibition.
On display at their booth is a special GCC perfume collection with unique mixtures crafted for each country, with Bahrain’s perfume, named ‘Bahrain – Cradle of Peace’ featuring pink pepper, bergamot, amber, Tonka bean, vanilla, almond and sandalwood.
“We have 50 branches in the UAE and several more across the GCC region, but we participate in the Autumn Fair every year because of the unique nature of this event,” he said.
“We create special products specifically for this fair and we have noticed that perfumes with hints of saffron are popular in Bahrain, which is why we ensure our products include this sought-after ingredient .
“The exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for exchange of ideas and knowledge, to get in touch with our customers as well as create products to stand out in this competitive environment.”
Meanwhile, first-time participants from Egypt, Al Quds Pearl, have showcased fresh Jordanian spices, Palestinian olive oil and popular Egyptian crackers.
Owner Adham Mahmood praised the warm welcome he received upon his arrival in Bahrain.
“Many Egyptian exhibitors have previously showcased their products at the Autumn Fair and they always praised the incredibly warm environment and kind nature of the people, which prompted us to take part this year,” he said. “The exhibition is exceptional and although I’ve participated in other fairs in the region, the Autumn Fair in Bahrain is by far the best I’ve seen.”
Iraq-based Arabian Attire for Iraqi Bisht (a traditional male garment worn in celebrations over thobe) are proud of their ‘unique’ hand-crafted products displayed at the fair.
Owner Fakher Al Amri told the GDN that Exhibition World Bahrain was an “incredible venue”.
“We create our Bisht by hand and although machine tailoring is now widely adopted, work that has been done by hand is a lot more special,” he said.
“This is the second time we are here and our previous success prompted us to come back again this year. We’ve seen a lot of news on ‘bisht’ after Argentinian football captain Lionel Messi wore it and we are waiting for orders from our customers.”
A large booth at the centre of the exhibition, Hadhramout Spices and Yemeni Coffee, has lined up an array of freshly ground spices, condiments and coffee from Yemen, alongside nuts and honey. Owner Fares Abda said the family company has been an integral part of the fair for more than 20 years.
“The exhibition is huge and amazing and the new location has added a unique element to the entire experience,” Mr Abda said.
“We have an array of spices, nuts and coffee and customers have been pouring in since morning. We have a new mixture of spices for biryani and other dishes as well as black raisins, Yemeni garlic, and henna.”
He said the items on demand in Bahrain include raisins, almonds and spices.
The popular exhibition continues until December 30 at Exhibition World Bahrain and is open from noon to 10pm today and from 10am to 10pm tomorrow.
Meanwhile, opening hours are from 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 10pm from Sunday to Wednesday – with the morning period reserved for women only on Monday and Tuesday.
The fair will continue from 10am to 10pm on Thursday and 30.
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