Bahrain Blooms at Autumn Fair

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The 34th Bahrain Autumn Fair was a whirlwind of commerce and cultural exchange, with over 165,000 visitors swarming Exhibition World Bahrain.

But for Export Bahrain and its 18 local brands, it was a gold rush.

The Export Bahrain Pavilion buzzed with the aroma of spices, the gleam of handcrafted jewellery, and the vibrant colours of Bahraini textiles.

From food and fashion to essential oils and cleaning products, the diversity of Bahraini ingenuity stunned the crowds. And the results? A staggering US$170,000 in sales - a testament to the quality and appeal of local heroes.

This wasn’t just about cash registers ringing. B2B meetings buzzed, forging potential partnerships and laying the groundwork for future expansion.

From local enthusiasts to international visitors from across the GCC and beyond, the fair was a melting pot of collaboration. “Our consecutive participation in the Autumn Fair is about amplifying the reach of our national products,” declared HE Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry & Commerce and Chairman of Export Bahrain.

“This is about propelling Bahraini businesses onto the global stage. And from the overwhelming response, it’s clear: our businesses are ready.” For participating brands, the fair was a springboard. Khalid Khalifa Al-Dosari, owner of Athbi Mart LLC, saw his demand skyrocket: “The Autumn Fair gave us a platform to connect with new customers and expand our reach.”

Hawraa Hassan Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Al-Qayyim, founder of Al-Sayed Nuts Factory, went from a home business to a full-fledged factory, with dreams of global expansion dancing in her eyes.

Export Bahrain, working in close collaboration with Informa Markets, played a vital role, providing invaluable support and a powerful platform.

Marwa Ahmed Yousif, owner of Marawy Beauty, gushed: “Through Export Bahrain, the Autumn Fair opened doors beyond the exhibition, boosting our production and giving us the ability to compete locally and regionally.”

As Sheikha Mohammed Abdullah Al Mannai, owner of Tradish Food Trading LLC, put it, “Export Bahrain believed in the quality of our Bahraini-made cookies and cakes, and now, thanks to them, a whole new world of potential customers is waiting.”

The 34th Autumn Fair has come and gone, but its echoes will resonate for a long time.

For Export Bahrain and its local brands, it was a resounding success, showcasing the vibrancy, potential, and entrepreneurial spirit of Bahrain to the world. And that, truly, is something to celebrate.