The government has been urged to strengthen Bahrain’s traditional industries by encouraging investments and promoting their products locally and internationally.
Five MPs, led by public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Mohammed Hussain Janahi, have submitted a proposal calling for concrete measures to develop the handicrafts sector to preserve the kingdom’s cultural heritage and identity.
Parliament’s services committee, chaired by Mamdooh Al Saleh, has recommended approval of the proposal, which will be reviewed during Tuesday’s Parliament session.
“The aim is to protect Bahrain’s rich cultural identity by ensuring that traditional crafts continue to flourish, not just as a reminder of our history, but as a sustainable sector that contributes to the economy and tourism,” said Mr Janahi.
He explained that the initiative seeks to create opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs while promoting Bahraini-made products through modern branding and marketing strategies.
“Our artisans deserve national recognition and structural support,” Mr Janahi said.
“These crafts are not merely products – they are stories of our people and our past.
“The revival of traditional crafts is a revival of our national spirit. Supporting artisans means investing in Bahrain’s soul – our culture, our creativity and our connection to the past.”
According to the services committee’s report, the proposal is driven by several public interest considerations, including:
* Creating job opportunities and supporting small businesses.
*Attracting tourists and strengthening the tourism sector.
*Enhancing economic diversification and supporting local industries.
*Integrating modern technology to improve productivity and competitiveness in traditional crafts.
Mr Al Saleh explained that traditional crafts are not just about heritage; they are an economic resource that can be developed into sustainable industries.
“By merging authenticity with innovation, Bahrain can transform its crafts into viable, competitive products that appeal to both local and global markets,” he added.
In its response, the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) confirmed that traditional crafts and folk industries have long been an integral part of its national development programmes.
The authority stated that it actively promotes traditional crafts through heritage sites such as the Bahrain National Museum and the Bahrain Fort (Qal’at Al Bahrain) Site Museum, as well as through cultural events like the Annual Heritage Festival, which focuses on celebrating and revitalising traditions.
The authority also highlighted several key initiatives:
- The National Crafts Register, a comprehensive database documenting artisans, their skills and their production capacity.
- The Made in Bahrain stores, which market high-quality traditional products and showcase innovative craft designs that combine heritage with modern aesthetics.
- The establishment of craft houses in areas known for their traditional industries to support artisans directly.
- Training programmes to develop young artisans’ skills and preserve traditional techniques.
One notable example, Baca said, is its ongoing co-operation with pottery workshops in A’ali and the Southern Municipality to ensure a steady supply of clay and support the continuity of pottery production – one of Bahrain’s oldest crafts.
The services committee unanimously recommended approval of the proposal, noting its strong alignment with public interest and the government’s ongoing heritage and tourism strategies.
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