Shopping centres and the Manama Suq were largely deserted yesterday, as malls and stores across the island shut down and customer turnout dropped sharply amid escalating regional tensions.
Yesterday morning, an eerie silence settled over City Centre Bahrain – most shops remained dark, kiosks were closed, and only a handful of outlets were open throughout the sprawling mall.
Most of the foot traffic was directed towards the supermarket, while the few shops that remained open reported minimal purchases since Sunday. Several sections of the mall were completely empty, with not a single visitor in sight.
By the afternoon, the City Centre’s official social media account announced that the mall would be temporarily closed, with the exception of HyperMax, which continues to operate.
Before the announcement, the GDN interviewed a few employees at stores who still came to work amidst air raid sirens.
“We haven’t sold anything since the strikes began,” a 20-year-old Bahraini salesperson at a toy store said.
“We’re still here because management told us to open – we’re among a few stores still operational, you can count them on your fingers.”
Workers at a major electronics chain reported that fewer than five customers made purchases the previous day, and none at all yesterday. The cinema also remained completely empty.
At the hypermarket, shelves were fully stocked. A few citizens and residents were seen buying supplies and an elderly couple was spotted purchasing a suitcase.
According to Reuters, Chalhoub Group, which runs 900 stores for brands from Versace and Jimmy Choo to Sephora across the region, said its stores in Bahrain were closed. Gucci owner Kering and Swedish fast-fashion retailer H&M also said that its stores in Bahrain were temporarily closed.
Meanwhile, streets and highways were emptier than usual as authorities have urged residents to avoid non-essential travel and remain indoors to enable emergency and security forces to use roads efficiently.
Courts adjourned hearings until next week, educational institutions enabled remote learning, and 70 per cent of government workers are to work from home until further notice.
Major car showrooms and service centres announced partial suspension of operations, with some limiting their opening hours, while others stated they were closing until further notice.
Hospitals and health centres also saw less patients for non-essential health services. Specialised government hospital clinics have implemented tele-health consultations.
Manama Old Suq Committee vice-chairman Mahmood Al Namlaiti told the GDN that most shops in the suq have shut down, with only few remaining open.
“There are some people coming and going, mainly from GCC countries,” he said.
“A few customers are still visiting to purchase Ramadan essentials, but the usual hustle and bustle has come to a halt under the current circumstances.”
Mr Al Namlaiti also attributed the reduced footfall to the rise in gold prices, noting that all gold shops are currently closed.
“We understand the situation and that it is best to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel, and shopkeepers recognise that,” he added.
“However, it is affecting businesses, especially during the Ramadan and pre-Eid period, when people typically come to tailor outfits and stock up on spices and other necessities.
“We also understand why customers aren’t coming, and we just hope the situation ends soon, so normal life can return.”
He commended the work of the kingdom’s security forces for safeguarding the country against hostile threats.
“We remain confident that the situation will end soon and that the government will ensure the economy is not adversely affected.”
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