Manama, Jan. 25 (BNA): Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) has launched the second edition of its “Saturday Market” at Bab Al Bahrain, the vibrant heart of the capital Manama.

The market is in line with its efforts to launch a calendar of events throughout the year with a special focus of highlighting the milestone title of Manama as the “Capital of Arab Tourism 2020”.

This year’s edition of Saturday Market was curated in tribute to the Kingdom’s longstanding pearling history, wherein the long line of stalls displaying the various handicrafts took on the form of art installations in the shape of glittering pearls, painted elegantly with the Arabic Calligraphy done by Bahraini artist Mustafa Halwachi. 

The Market features 40 craftsmen specialized in 25 crafts including basket weaving, traditional chests, wooden works, pottery, hand embroidery, henna design, dolls, carpets, cage-making, and crochet among others.

“We are pleased to officially launch ‘Saturday Market’ to the public at Bab Al Bahrain, which provides a space for local craftsmen to participate on a weekly basis, enabling them to showcase their creative talent and unique handicraft products and masterpieces to visitors from Bahrain and the region as a whole,” BTEA Chief Executive Officer Nader Al Moayyed said.

“The weekly event highlights our efforts at BTEA, which involve diversifying the Kingdom’s tourism offerings and preserving the handicraft sector in the Kingdom. With this in mind, we look forward to hosting more events and festivals suitable for all ages, which aim at strengthening the Tourism sector and its contribution to the growth of the Bahrain National Economy.”

‘Saturday Market’ aims to further enlighten the public about the local handicraft sector, as well as encourage Bahraini youth to engage in craft projects in order to preserve the local handicrafts as a trade that is deeply rooted in Bahrain’s longstanding history.

The weekly ‘Saturday Market’ will be held every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and from 2:00 p.m to 7:00 p.m, and will continue until March 22, 2020, at Bab Al Bahrain.

During the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix 2020, the Saturday Market will be open to visitors for four consecutive days, from March 19 until March 22.

Hosting the Saturday Market comes in line the BTEA’s continuous effort to highlight the Kingdom’s unique tourism products and further develop the tourism sector and strengthen its regional and international position.