A Bahraini wedding planner who has spent a decade helping couples celebrate their happiest moments has been left facing heartbreak after a massive fire destroyed his entire venue, equipment and furniture, causing an estimated BD200,000 in losses.
Thirty-eight-year-old Haider Tarradah, owner of Zafa Garden in Karzakan, said the devastating blaze wiped out everything he had built over the past 10 years, leaving him struggling to honour more than 120 bookings scheduled until the end of the year.
The father-of-six told the GDN that the fire, believed to have been caused in the early hours of yesterday by an electrical short circuit, engulfed the venue and destroyed chairs, stages, tables, flower stands, decorative items, sound systems, lighting equipment and other electronics.
“I have lost almost everything,” said Mr Tarradah. “It is heart-breaking because this place was not just a business, it was my family’s livelihood and a venue where hundreds of couples celebrated one of the most important days of their lives.
“It also hosted birthday celebrations and other notable family occasions and was a popular venue for both Bahrainis and expats.”
He revealed that the disaster struck just as he was taking steps to insure the venue.
“I was in the process of completing the insurance requirements after several friends advised me to do so. Unfortunately, the short circuit happened before everything could be finalised.
“It is something I deeply regret because insurance could have eased this enormous financial burden.”
Mr Tarradah said the greatest concern now was fulfilling existing commitments to customers.
“I currently have more than 120 bookings until the end of the year, either for the venue itself or for equipment supplied to hotels, halls and other wedding locations,’ he explained.
“I don’t want to disappoint anyone. Every couple has spent months planning for their special day and I’m doing everything possible to find solutions, despite the circumstances.”
Operating from a long-term leased coastal plot in Karzakan, Zafa Garden had become a popular venue over the last decade and was also renowned for offering affordable wedding packages.
Mr Tarradah said he had regularly worked with charity societies to provide lower-cost wedding venues and services to people with limited incomes.
“We always tried to make weddings affordable. Helping people has always been part of our work and I hope we can rebuild and continue that mission.”
Support has already begun to emerge from the community.
Northern Municipal Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Dr Salman Abdulla said efforts were under way to mobilise assistance from charity organisations and philanthropists.
“Someone who brings joy to people deserves to receive help, especially during such a dark moment,” he said. “We’re approaching charity societies and potential donors to provide assistance so that Mr Tarradah can recover from this tragedy and rebuild what has been lost.”
For further information, contact Mr Haider Tarradah on 33757375 or Dr Mohsin on 33004958.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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