A visionary proposal to create Bahrain’s first-ever ‘pens museum’ showcasing rare and historic writing instruments from government ministries, private companies and personal collections has been put forward by senior MPs.
The idea, spearheaded by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman and Strategic Thinking Parliamentary Bloc president MP Ahmed Al Salloom, aims to preserve a unique slice of Bahrain’s administrative, commercial and cultural history through pens that once represented the kingdom’s leading institutions.
The proposal, co-signed by four other members of the bloc, suggests integrating the attraction within an existing visitor destination such as Bahrain National Museum or the Bahrain Pearling Path, although the establishment of a standalone museum has also been floated.
Among the suggested contributors are the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, Batelco, National Bank of Bahrain, Alba, Kanoo Travel and Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, alongside collectors and retired executives who have safeguarded vintage pens linked to Bahrain’s development over the decades.
Mr Al Salloom
Mr Al Salloom, who is also Bahrain Chamber treasurer and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society chairman, said the concept was designed to celebrate the evolution of administration, communication and business identity in Bahrain through one of the most symbolic professional tools.
“Pens are more than writing instruments – they tell stories of agreements signed, visions drafted and milestones achieved,” he said. “Every ministry, corporation and institution in Bahrain has at one point produced commemorative or official pens that reflected a certain era, leadership style or national achievement.
“We believe these collections deserve to be preserved instead of being forgotten in storage rooms or private drawers. A museum of this kind would be educational, nostalgic and attractive to visitors interested in Bahrain’s institutional history.”
He added that Bahrain had always embraced niche museums and cultural attractions, and the proposal could evolve into a tourism and educational landmark.
Mr Bu Onk
Strategic Thinking Parliamentary Bloc spokesman MP Khalid Bu Onk said the project would blend heritage with creativity while opening the door for community participation.
“This is a different and refreshing idea that connects generations through objects many people overlook,” he said. “Some pens were presented during major state visits, others marked important commercial achievements or anniversaries. Many of them are artistic masterpieces on their own.
“The museum could also encourage schools, retired officials and collectors to contribute items and stories linked to Bahrain’s modern history.”
Mr Tarradah
Backing the proposal was former Batelco executive Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah, who described the idea as a ‘living archive’ of Bahrain’s professional and corporate journey.
“Companies such as Batelco and others produced commemorative pens for major launches, exhibitions and milestones,” he said. “These items may appear simple, but they represent memories and achievements connected to Bahrain’s economic rise. Preserving them in one location would be both culturally valuable and visually fascinating.”
Dr Al Qattan
Former Batelco board executive Capital Trustees Board vice-chairwoman Dr Khulood Al Qattan also supported the move, saying the museum could inspire younger generations to appreciate the significance of traditional writing culture in an increasingly digital world.
“In the age of technology, pens still hold emotional and symbolic value,” she said. “A specialised museum would highlight craftsmanship, corporate identity and personal memories while adding another distinctive cultural attraction to Bahrain’s tourism landscape.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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