Traditional Bahraini craft and cuisine were showcased by productive families at an exhibition being held to celebrate the 24th anniversary of the National Action Charter.
Hundreds of people attended the two-day Expo973, organised by MP Mohammed Janahi in co-operation with the Capital Trustees Fund and Omni Society, at Exhibition Road yesterday.
Mr Janahi stressed the importance of recognising the role that productive families have played over the past 24 years.
“The event will serve as a networking hub for the community, celebrating local success stories while providing Bahraini entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase and sell their unique products,” Mr Janahi told the GDN.
“This initiative coincides with the National Action Charter anniversary, reinforcing national pride and highlighting Bahrain’s progress and achievements.
“Supporting local entrepreneurs is an investment in Bahrain’s future and will help create job opportunities and foster innovation.
“It comes as part of the directives of His Majesty King Hamad and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to support Bahraini home-based businesses and boost the national economy.”
The event featured musical performances, children’s games and competitions, live painting sessions, traditional food and Arabic coffee, and poetry sessions aimed at giving people a platform to express their love for the kingdom.
Citizens were even spotted selling oysters, which with a bit of luck, could contain one of the kingdom’s famous pearls in them.
The main attraction, however, is the traditional market, run by productive families, that showcase craft and popular dessert items such as halwa.
Among them is Khalid Abdulla, a Bahraini craftsman who specialises in making wooden replicas of traditional dhows and pottery.
“It is important to keep our traditions and handicrafts alive as it is part of our identity,” said Mr Abdulla.
“A lot of people have created not only items to celebrate the charter anniversary, but also for Ramadan, which will be starting soon. The big turnout from families is encouraging, and I hope we can continue to attract more visitors and educate them throughout the event.”
The exhibition will continue today from 9am until 9pm.
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