A bold new proposal could see Bahrain’s luxury seafront hotels and resorts opening their shores to local fishermen, creating a unique blend of tourism, heritage and economic opportunity.
The initiative, spearheaded by Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman MP Hassan Bukhammas and backed by four fellow MPs, has received unanimous support from the Capital Trustees Board.
Under the proposal, selected waterfront hotels and resorts would allocate space for Bahraini fishermen, allowing them to operate traditional and recreational marine activities while providing visitors with authentic maritime experiences.
Mr Bukhammas said the idea was designed to address the long-standing challenges faced by fishermen displaced by extensive coastal development, while also creating new attractions for Bahrain’s growing tourism sector.
“Many fishermen have lost access to traditional launching points and fishing areas as urban expansion transformed large parts of the coastline,” he said.
“This proposal offers a practical solution that benefits everyone. Fishermen gain access to suitable locations and new sources of income, while hotels and resorts can offer visitors genuine Bahraini maritime experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere.”
The veteran MP, who represents Capital Governorate Constituency Four, which includes Juffair, Adliya, Umm Al Hassam, Ghuraifa and parts of Gudaibiya, said tourists increasingly seek authentic local activities rather than conventional sightseeing.
“Visitors can enjoy recreational fishing trips, boat excursions, snorkelling adventures, diving experiences and coastal tours led by experienced Bahraini fishermen,” he said.
“These activities showcase our maritime heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities for fishing families.”
Mr Bukhammas noted that Bahrain has been witnessing an increasingly vibrant tourism season, particularly during the summer months.
“We are seeing growing numbers of European visitors coming to Bahrain to enjoy the sunshine, the sea and the hospitality that the kingdom offers,” he said.
“We should take advantage of this momentum by introducing unique attractions that highlight our culture and traditions.”
As an example, he pointed to the success of Thailand’s famous resort island of Phuket, where hotels and resorts regularly work with local fishermen and boat operators to provide marine tourism activities.
“In Phuket, tourists can go out with fishermen, explore the coastline, enjoy fishing trips and experience local maritime culture first-hand,” said Mr Bukhammas.
“There is no reason why Bahrain cannot create its own model that combines tourism development with the preservation of our fishing heritage.”
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah welcomed the proposal, describing it as an innovative concept that supports both economic diversification and cultural preservation.
“The board unanimously supported the proposal because it brings together several important objectives,” he said.
“It supports Bahraini fishermen, enhances the tourism offering and strengthens the connection between modern developments and the kingdom’s maritime identity.”
Mr Tarradah said Bahrain’s coastline remains one of its greatest assets and should be utilised in ways that benefit both citizens and visitors.
“Tourism today is about experiences,” he said.
“Providing visitors with opportunities to interact with local fishermen, enjoy marine activities and learn about Bahrain’s seafaring traditions adds a valuable dimension to the hospitality sector while helping preserve an important part of our national heritage.”
If adopted by the government, he added, the proposal could transform Bahrain’s waterfront resorts into gateways for authentic marine adventures, giving fishermen a new home on the shoreline while offering tourists a taste of the kingdom’s centuries-old relationship with the sea.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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