THE second edition of the iconic Manama Gold Festival 2023 was launched last night with more than 300 gold and jewellery outlets taking part.
It was inaugurated by Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi at Manama Suq who placed a gold bar on a podium to signify the launch of the event which runs into late May.
Also present at the event were Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) chief executive Dr Nasser Qaedi and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) chief executive Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, along with other tourism officials.
The first edition of the Manama Gold Festival attracted 1,549 shoppers from a dozen countries, with purchases totalling BD1.25 million.
Organisers hope the latest edition will draw in double the amount of shoppers and gold purchases – especially from neighbouring GCC States – thanks to a local twist of talent.
“We have worked closely with Bahraini artists and designers to promote the art of Bahraini gold throughout this festival,” said Ms Al Sairafi.
“The aim is to continue revitalising the tourism sector in Bahrain, especially through visitors from the GCC countries as we have launched this edition towards the end of Ramadan and at the start of Eid Al Fitr.
“Previously the event registered a high demand among visitors – especially from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE – and it promises to be even better this time round.”
According to Ms Al Sairafi, the festival not only aims to promote Bahrain as a must visit destination but also place Manama Suq on the regional and international tourism map.
She added that the festival also plays a critical role in promoting Bahraini gold – its designs and manufacturing process – across the world.
The GDN previously reported that the festival will feature weekly, instant and grand prizes, as well as informative and artistic installations about Bahraini gold history by local artists and designers.
Preliminary indicators show positive advance hotel bookings and more detailed data will be announced at a later date.
“We’re proud to launch the second edition of the Manama Gold Festival which aims to highlight the rich heritage of Manama Suq, the gold trade and the distinction of the Bahraini product across the world,” said Dr Qaedi.
“The second edition of the festival builds on the success of the first edition, which had positive statistics in terms of shoppers and sales numbers in 2022.
“The festival represents a valuable addition to BTEA’s agenda of activities aimed at diversifying the tourism product, contributing to reviving tourism in Manama Suq and attracting more tourists from all over the world.”
This year’s event is being held under the theme ‘Bahraini Gold, Unlike Any Other’ and it will continue until May 27.
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