A proposal urging the government to support traditional handicrafts and ensure their sustainability is set for debate during Parliament’s weekly session on Tuesday.
The proposal by five MPs, led by Muneer Suroor, calls for allocating free spaces for artisans to showcase their products and providing financial grants and incentives to encourage their craft.
The MPs argue that supporting traditional handicrafts aligns with Bahrain’s constitutional principles and serves broader economic and cultural goals.
“Bahrain’s Constitution states the importance of preserving and promoting the country’s cultural heritage,” said Mr Suroor.
“Bahrain’s traditional handicrafts attract tourists and contribute to the country’s tourism industry,” he added.
“Handicrafts are also an integral part of Bahrain’s heritage and must be protected for future generations.”
Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) chief executive Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa has responded to the proposal by asserting that many of its objectives are already being actively pursued.
“We are committed to preserving Bahrain’s cultural heritage by maintaining sites where traditional crafts flourish and integrating them into major cultural and touristic events,” he said.
“Historical crafts are exhibited in landmarks such as the Bahrain National Museum and Bahrain Fort Museum.
“The annual Heritage Festival is a prime example of how we celebrate and sustain these crafts. The festival serves as a platform to showcase artisans’ work, preserving their historical significance.”
He added that Baca was taking proactive steps to ensure that traditional handicrafts remain a viable economic sector.
“A database that records artisans’ details, including the types of crafts they practise, their locations and their skill levels is available.”
“The ‘Made in Bahrain’ shops promote and market high-quality handcrafted products, ensuring they remain competitive.
“Baca supports artisans by setting up craft houses in areas known for specific traditional industries.”
He added that training programmes aimed at preventing the extinction of traditional crafts by equipping a new generation of artisans with the necessary skills have been made available.
“We also support and encourage participation in local and international exhibitions as they provide artisans with exposure to market trends and allow them to interact directly with customers,” said Shaikh Khalifa.
“We have long supported potters in A’ali, preserving their workshops and ensuring their historical significance remains intact.”
Meanwhile, the Tourism Ministry along with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, reviewed the proposal and affirmed its alignment with existing efforts.
“The preservation of traditional handicrafts falls under the jurisdiction of Baca, but we actively support artisans through various tourism initiatives,” said Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi.
“We are integrating artisans into national tourism programmes to showcase their work to visitors,” she added.
“We are also providing marketing and promotional support to artisans through digital platforms.
“There is support for artisan participation in local and international exhibitions to enhance visibility and economic opportunities.”
Ms Al Sairafi also noted efforts to support the Bahraini Farmers’ Market by promoting locally made handicrafts.
“The proposal to further support traditional handicrafts in Bahrain underscores the importance of cultural preservation, economic sustainability, and tourism development,” said Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Ahmed Al Salloom, who is a co-signatory to the proposal.
“We call for additional financial incentives and dedicated free exhibition spaces under further steps that could be taken to strengthen this sector.”
Meanwhile, MPs are also set to vote on the following proposals:
* Establishing a specialised hospital for cancer care and tumour treatment in the Southern Governorate, presented by Dr Ali Al Nuaimi. Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed said the National Tumours Centre at the King Hamad University Hospital already provides such services to everyone in the country.
* Allocating plots for charity society headquarters across the country, presented by five MPs led by Hanan Fardan. Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi said there were 93 charity societies with their permanent headquarters across the country – 43 in the Northern Governorate, 34 in Capital, 11 in Muharraq and five in Southern.
* A proposal to not consider a wife’s ownership of a plot or property through inheritance whenever assessing eligibility for housing services, presented by five MPs led by Mohsin Al Asbool.
Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi said all criteria were under current review. However, she added that disregarding such fact or any other related to a family member means that housing services are directed to people who don’t need government support.
* A proposal to tighten oversight of violations by motorbike delivery drivers and enforce health standards for food delivery boxes, presented by Strategic Thinking Bloc member Dr Mariam Al Dhaen. This was postponed last week as the MP was admitted to hospital for an undisclosed illness.
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