FIFA World Cup Finals fever is sweeping across Bahrain even before the first whistle is blown, with cafés, restaurants, hotels, shopping outlets and retailers preparing for a major surge in customers as football fans gear up for weeks of round-the-clock action.
Business leaders say the global tournament, which kicks off on Thursday, is already delivering an economic boost, with venues reporting strong advance bookings and retailers seeing growing demand for team merchandise ... with replica France, Brazil, Argentina and England tops, in particular, being snapped up from the suq.
Capital Trustees Board vice-chairwoman Dr Khulood Al Qattan, who is also vice-chairwoman of the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society and Better Life Society, said the World Cup was a much-needed catalyst for businesses.
“The World Cup Finals, which comes around every four years, injects fresh energy into the market and creates opportunities for a wide range of businesses,” she said.
“Everyone benefits, from food suppliers and retailers to cafés and restaurants. It creates movement in the economy and encourages families and friends to gather and enjoy the matches together.”
Among those preparing for the rush is Layali Al Oruba Café in Hamala, where owner Salah Ali says reservations have exceeded expectations.
“We have started taking bookings from today and there has been a huge response from customers and their friends,” he said.
“Priority is being given to those who reserve early because so many people are expected. We already have bookings for every match in the first round.”
Mr Ali revealed that the venue would operate around the clock to cater for supporters, including early morning kick-offs.
“The opening match day is fully booked and demand continues to grow. We are even planning to bring in extra tables and chairs to accommodate more customers.”
Arizona Café owner Eman Baljeek said football enthusiasts had wasted no time securing their seats.
“We opened bookings early and we are already fully booked for the opening matches,” she said. “We offer family sections, smoking and non-smoking areas, as well as children’s play facilities, which makes the experience attractive for many families wanting to watch the games together.”
Ms Baljeek added that reservations for the group stage were nearing capacity.
“The first two weeks are almost fully booked and we expect demand to continue once the knockout stages are confirmed,” she said. “Some customers have even reserved places for the final without caring who makes it for the big game.”
With the competition being hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico, the timing of many of the games is challenging for many fans in Bahrain, but devoted football followers are willing to lose sleep to watch the action live.
To accommodate matches scheduled at dawn, Arizona Café, for example, is adjusting staff shifts and breakfast operations.
“Although we normally close at 4am and reopen at 10am, we will remain ready for the 5am kick-off matches and serve breakfast for fans who want to enjoy the full Fifa World Cup Finals experience,” she added.
With football excitement building and fans eager to cheer on their favourite teams, Bahrain’s cafés, restaurants, hotels and retailers appear set to enjoy their own winning streak throughout the tournament, turning the world’s biggest football spectacle into a major boost for local businesses.
Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman and Bahrain Chamber treasurer MP Ahmed Al Salloom said the hospitality and retail sectors were experiencing an early uplift.
“Business owners have reported significant interest and advance bookings ahead of the tournament,” he said. “Demand is also rising for national team kits, jerseys, T-shirts and football accessories such as scarves and headbands.
“Events of this scale create valuable opportunities for small and medium enterprises and stimulate economic activity across several sectors.”
“Many hotels have informed us that reservations for restaurants, lounges and dedicated match-screening areas are increasing steadily,” he said.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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