Urgent push to extend Bahrain’s Celebrations Season gains approval

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

An urgent move to keep Bahrain’s Celebrations Season running through January has been backed by Parliament, opening the door for events like Muharraq Nights and Retro Manama to stay alive a little longer.

The decision, taken during yesterday’s session, aims to make the most of a wave of visitors from neighbouring Gulf countries currently on their mid-year school holidays, while boosting Bahrain’s thriving tourism scene and supporting local businesses.

The proposal, brought to the floor by MP Ali Saqer Al Doseri, calls for the extension of popular attractions such as the Heritage Village and the Winter Market, which have already pulled in large crowds and brought in hefty takings for shop owners.

Proponents of the move argue that keeping these festivities going will keep Bahrain’s streets lively, attract even more tourists, and give locals another chance to enjoy the events.

“The Bahrain Celebrations Season has been a standout success this year, drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors and bringing in solid income for traders,” the explanatory memorandum pointed out.

Major drawcard

It credited the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Information, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) for organising the events, which have proven to be a major drawcard for visitors.

But with some events already wrapped up or on the verge of winding down, the proposal warned that Bahrain could miss out on valuable opportunities as travellers from Gulf nations continue to pour in during their breaks.

“Keeping these activities running during this time brings plenty of advantages, including keeping Bahrain vibrant with life, boosting the local economy, and helping shop owners rake in more business,” the memorandum stressed.

Experience

The move also aims to give locals — particularly those tied up with work or school commitments earlier in the season — the chance to experience the celebrations before they close.

“This extension would give them the time to visit and enjoy the festivities, adding even more to the celebrations’ success,” it added. The proposal has now been handed over to the relevant authorities for action, with supporters hopeful that extending the season will not only keep the energy alive but also solidify Bahrain’s spot as a must-visit destination through the final weeks of January.