Second-hand traders operating outside the Isa Town Traditional Market have been given until the end of this year to vacate the area.
The decision comes following mounting complaints from nearby businesses and residents about worsening congestion, reduced accessibility and an overall drop in footfall to established shops.
Area MP Dr Mariam Al Dhaen confirmed she had received a petition from market traders inside the complex, who expressed frustration that their livelihoods were being directly affected by the growing presence of unlicensed flea market vendors stationed at the main gates.
Dr Al Dhaen
“Dozens of shopkeepers have signed a petition and reached out to me highlighting how the situation is becoming unbearable,” Dr Al Dhaen told the GDN.
“Many customers are unable to access their stores due to road blockages and traffic jams created by the weekend flea market. As a result, businesses are suffering, and this is unacceptable.”
She said while she empathises with the second-hand traders – many of whom are low-income earners looking for an affordable outlet to sell – fairness must also be considered.
“We understand that these traders are simply trying to make a living,” she added. “But it cannot be at the expense of other businesses that have been established for years, paying rents, taxes and following regulations. There must be balance and order.”
The flea market outside the Isa Town Traditional Market
Isa Town’s flea market, once a popular attraction inside the traditional market complex, was shut down during the Covid-19 pandemic and never reopened. Instead, the space was taken over by a hypermarket that expanded its facilities, leaving second-hand vendors without a permanent home.
Since then, sellers have gathered informally outside the main gates on weekends, attracting bargain hunters, but also contributing to overcrowding, traffic bottlenecks, and disputes with licensed businesses.
Dr Al Dhaen reiterated that all parties must work together to preserve both tradition and business stability. “Everyone recognises the cultural and economic importance of the flea market,” she said. “But we cannot allow disorder to prevail. Moving the market to a permanent, well-planned site is in the best interest of all.”
Mr Faraj
Area councillor Mubarak Faraj acknowledged the issue and called on residents and shopkeepers to remain patient until a permanent solution can be found and implemented.
“We are aware of the challenges caused by the weekend gatherings of second-hand traders in Isa Town,” Mr Faraj said.
“The Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry has already allocated space for them in Hamad Town, where they will have proper facilities to operate in an organised and safe manner. However, until the relocation is complete, we ask people to be patient.
“The transfer will happen before the end of the year.”
He stressed the compromise was aimed at both supporting the small vendors and addressing the concerns of existing businesses.
“The second-hand market is part of Bahrain’s social and cultural fabric, and we don’t want to see it disappear. But it has to be managed properly, and Hamad Town will provide that opportunity,” Mr Faraj added.
Weekend shoppers, meanwhile, expressed mixed reactions to the planned move.
Some said the flea market gave them a chance to buy affordable items in a central location, while others admitted that traffic chaos had become unbearable.
The relocation plan is expected to be finalised by December, with Hamad Town’s designated area being prepared to host the traders permanently.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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