Bahrain’s centuries-old pottery industry – one of the kingdom’s most treasured traditional handicrafts – could be heading for its biggest transformation in generations, with artisans in A’ali preparing to embrace artificial intelligence-assisted production technology in a move aimed at improving quality, precision and efficiency without sacrificing heritage or craftsmanship.
In a development that could redefine the future of Bahrain’s iconic clay sector, veteran potter Abdulnabi Al A’ali revealed that a delegation of A’ali craftsmen is arranging a visit to China to study advanced AI-assisted ceramic machinery already being used by Chinese manufacturers.
“It is the same precision in conventional and traditional methods we currently use, but it is a new era and a new level of work,” said Mr Al A’ali during the two-day Smart Cities Summit which ended yesterday at Gulf Hotel Bahrain Convention and Spa.
“The Chinese are advanced in ceramics production and are now using AI-assistance even in their top-notch handmade ornaments, so we ought to learn from them.
“This is not about mass production – it is about where we stand and where we want to be.”
Mr Al A’ali stressed that the move would support artisans rather than replace them, preserving the human touch that has made Bahraini pottery famous for generations.
“The basic techniques for ceramics and pottery are somehow similar in basics and different in shaping, making and end product,” he explained.
“Today, pottery materials are part of construction and décor for buildings and homes and not just ornaments, so that’s a new expanded market we are interested in.”
He believes collaboration with China could unlock entirely new products that appeal to younger consumers, adding: “China could open the door for fusion techniques and products between ceramics and pottery that may be of interest for younger generations.
“When speaking about smart cities, we have to think future smart.”
China has been revolutionising its traditional ceramic industry by integrating artificial intelligence into design, production and archaeological restoration. Artisans and factories in hubs like Jingdezhen use AI to generate novel 3D models, reconstruct ancient broken pottery, and control kiln temperatures to perfection.
Innovation also challenges the idea that expert appraisal of cultural heritage must rely solely on subjective human judgement. By training on kiln-specific styles, vessel morphology and decorative motifs, one AI model achieved classification accuracy of up to 99 per cent. It was even able to estimate market value within close range of final hammer prices, placing one Ming Dynasty item just 30pc below its eventual sale.
The proposal comes at a critical moment for Bahrain’s pottery industry, which is simultaneously being prepared by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) for nomination to the prestigious Unesco Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Baca heritage director general Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said innovation should not be feared.
“With resources and environmental challenges, potters need to think outside the box,” he said. “We have no issue with machinery or new methods – it is what future smart cities need.
“Ceramics and pottery are different, but the techniques could be built on. It can become a more cost-effective and efficient method.”
Support is also coming from local authorities.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said embracing innovation was essential to preserving the industry for future generations while protecting its cultural identity.
“This is a unique Bahraini heritage that deserves full backing,” he said. “We earlier supported efforts to secure local clay resources because pottery is not simply a craft – it is part of Bahrain’s identity.
“If technology can help improve production while preserving authenticity, then we should support that future.
“For Bahrain’s potters, the message is becoming clear – preserving a 4,000-year-old craft may now depend on embracing 21st-century technology.
“In A’ali, where ancient hands once shaped Bahrain’s history through clay, artificial intelligence may soon help shape its future.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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