Festival to spotlight a golden tradition
BAHRAIN is set to sparkle and shine in the coming weeks with an array of stunning pearls, precious stones and jewellery set to be showcased at the Manama Gold Festival 2023.
More than 300 gold outlets in the Manama Suq are expected to take part in the second edition of the event to be held from April 13 until May 27.
It will be organised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA).
Preparations are under way for the event that will promote the historic suq in the capital as a top tourist destination, the BTEA said in a statement yesterday.
The festival will showcase shops selling gold, pearls and precious stones in the suq.
“This chapter highlights the kingdom’s long history in the gold industry starting from the Manama Suq,” the BTEA said.
“It also outlines the fact that Bahrain was the first in the region to establish clear regulations for the gold industry, organise production, and adopt exporting practices.”
The festival will feature weekly, instant, and grand prizes, as well as informative and artistic installations about Bahraini gold history by local artists and designers. Visitors can also explore a gold museum, a pop-up market, and enjoy live music shows.
“We are pleased to announce the full line-up of events for the Manama Gold Festival 2023, which will be held under the theme ‘Bahraini Gold, Unlike Any Other’, reflecting the country’s regional and global uniqueness in the gold industry,” said BTEA chief executive Dr Nasser Qaedi.
“The second edition of the festival builds on the success of the first edition, which had positive statistics in terms of shoppers and sales numbers in 2022. We intend to double the number of shoppers and gold purchases, particularly from GCC countries, this year.”
The first edition of the Manama Gold Festival attracted 1,549 shoppers from 12 nationalities, with purchases totalling BD1.25 million.
“We hope to improve the shopping experience in one of the oldest markets in the GCC and Middle East regions through a blend of modernisation and heritage, accompanied by a slew of promotions and valuable prizes to delight all visitors and families,” said Dr Qaedi.
“The festival will undoubtedly be a fantastic addition to BTEA’s events calendar, which focuses on the diversity of tourism products and the revitalisation of the Manama Suq,” he added.
Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1228313/Festival-to-spotlight-a-golden-tradition
