The Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, Chairman of Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority His Excellency Zayed AlZayani received Mr. Hagop Khajirian, the FIBA Regional Director for Asia, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Issa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and Dr. Nasser Qaedi, Ceo of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority.

H.E. Minister Al Zayani discussed with Mr. Khajirian the development of joint cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and FIBA in line with the pillar of sports tourism in Bahrain's tourism strategy 2022-2026, highlighting the BTEA's keen interest in the revitalization of sports tourism in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in light of Bahraini sports' progress and the recognition it receives from local, regional, and even worldwide audiences.

His Excellency Minister Al Zayani expressed the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority's willingness to discuss all ideas and initiatives related to supporting sports tourism with various regional and international sports federations and organizations, noting that the tourism and sports sectors intersect in many areas and complement each other in the context of accelerating the progress of the Kingdom of Bahrain's prosperity and development.

Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism explained that The Kingdom of Bahrain has established itself as a significant destination for attracting and hosting numerous continental and worldwide events and championships, bolstering efforts to strengthen the sports system, and contributing to the Kingdom's economic growth. He highlighted the Kingdom's success in hosting major sporting events, such as Formula 1, which resulted in over 50% increase in foreign visitors comparing to 2019.

For his part, Mr. Khajirian Applauded Bahrain's progress in various sports, including basketball, expressing his admiration for the progress and development of sports teams and sports infrastructure in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and pointing to Bahrain's success in turning the sport into a profitable industry.

Mr. Khajirian praised the Bahrain Tourism Authority's efforts in successfully integrating the sports and tourism industries, promoting the Bahraini tourism sector in regional and international markets, and involving private tourism sector facilities in major sporting events, all of which contribute to the achievement of economic gains in the sports sectors and tourism and promote sustainable development goals in societies.

Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Al Zayani the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and in cooperation with Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA), the local domain name (.bh) reservation service was enabled through Mall.bh.

More than 100 local domain names have been reserved in the first 10 days since the service was enabled, which reflects the extent of the cooperation's contribution to boost the local domain (.bh) and the contribution to increase the usage of the local domain (.bh) by the eCommerce practitioners.

The reservation of the local domain name (.bh) for eCommerce platforms through mall.bh is a new service added to the current services provided by mall.bh.

Hence, The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism invites the eCommerce practitioners whom interested to reserve the local domain name (.bh) by visiting Mall.bh https://www.mall.bh to complete the reservation process.

The Ministry receives all the inquiries regarding local domain name (.bh) reservation by email info@mall.bh, phone 17359008, or through National Suggestions and Complaints System “Tawasul".

MOIC issued the Ministerial order No. (14) for the year 2022 regarding the ban of manufacturing, importing and circulation of single-use plastic bags with a thickness below 35 microns and will take effect on 18 September 2022. This Ministerial order comes from the Ministry's approach to support environment protection initiatives, and to apply the government's work program in securing an environment that supports sustainability, and to achieve Bahrain's 2030 economic vision to preserve natural spaces and reduce pollution.

In this regard, HE Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, confirms that banning single-use plastic bags with a thickness below 35 microns, aims to protect the environment from pollutants, and to limit the danger of plastic waste spread, which represents a major danger to the wildlife in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Moreover, HE clarified that MOIC conducted a full study of the plastic bag factories and the local retail markets, as well as the plastic bag alternative factories in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The results of the study showed that 86% of the local factories will continue to manufacture plastic products that are exempted by the Ministerial Order, or manufacture plastic bag alternatives, and that a 100% of those factories intend to manufacture multi-use plastic bags with a thickness above 35 microns. Plastic bag alternative factories also confirmed these types of bags are available for sale in local retail markets, and that these bags can be used for various purposes.

Furthermore, HE, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, clarified that this study comes as an indicator of the Ministry's belief in the importance of involving the private sector in the studies of governmental regulations and orientations prior their issuance. As well as his profound role in reinforcing conjoint business between both sectors, through constant direct communication between the Ministry and the Bahrain Chamber of Industry and Commerce. This has achieved integration between the public and private sector, which in turn contributes to accomplishing Bahrain's 2030 economic vision.

Additionally,  HE noted that the banning of single-use plastic bags is not the first initiative in the region. Whereas many neighboring and developed countries proceeded us in applying it, putting ahead environment protection as a main goal by limiting the spread of plastic waste, which poses great danger to the environment and wildlife in these countries. It is also worth noting that this regulation exempts plastic bag products with a thickness above 35 microns, as well as bags used for medical purposes and export purposes, which does not have a wide effect on the consumer or manufacturer, and simultaneously contributes to environmental protection and harmful plastic waste reduction.

In conclusion, HE confirmed that MOIC is moving forward in achieving the safety and well-being of citizens and residents, and it is working intensively to take measures concerning environmental safety by focusing on the most important plans and projects that contribute to limiting the deterioration of environmental systems and boosting their recovery. Which in turn leads to preserving the environment and the country's gains in our surrounding environmental system. HE also emphasized on the necessity of everyone's cooperation to move forward in enforcing all efforts to preserve environmental safety, which in turn would greatly help the country avoid many possible environmental issues.

Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Al Zayani the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and in cooperation with Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA), the local domain name (.bh) reservation service was enabled through Mall.bh.

More than 40 local domain names have been reserved in the first three days since the service was enabled, which reflects the extent of the cooperation's contribution to boost the local domain (.bh) and the contribution to increase the usage of the local domain (.bh) by the eCommerce practitioners.

The reservation of the local domain name (.bh) for eCommerce platforms through mall.bh is a new service added to the current services provided by mall.bh.

Hence, The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism invites the eCommerce practitioners whom interested to reserve the local domain name (.bh) by visiting Mall.bh https://www.mall.bh to complete the reservation process.

The Ministry receives all the inquiries regarding local domain name (.bh) reservation by email info@mall.bh, phone 17359008, or through National Suggestions and Complaints System “Tawasul".

Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Al Zayani the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, and in cooperation with Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA), the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism allows the local domain name (.bh) reservation service through Mall.bh. Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) is the official authority responsible for managing domain name operations via authorized registrars. This service allows the merchant to reserve the local domain name for the eCommerce platforms (eStores and eMarketplaces) through Mall.bh

Mall.bh was launched in April 2020 and it includes licensed eStores in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and it is one of the initiatives included in the eCommerce National Strategy, which was launched by the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism to enhance the eCommerce ecosystem. Mall.bh allows the merchants to showcase their eStores or connect with eCommerce services providers.

The reservation of the local domain name (.bh) for eCommerce platforms through mall.bh is a service added to the current services provided by mall.bh. This service will boost the local domain name (.bh). In addition, it is expected to increase the usage of local domain name (.bh) by the eCommerce practitioners and will facilitate the procedures to get the local domain name to encourage commercial establishments and companies to register their eCommerce platforms (eStores and eMarketplaces) within the Kingdom of Bahrain local domain name.

Hence, The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism invites the eCommerce practitioners whom interested to reserve the local domain name (.bh) by visiting Mall.bh https://www.mall.bh to complete the reservation process.

The Ministry receives all the inquiries regarding local domain name (.bh) reservation by email info@mall.bh, phone 17359008, or through National Suggestions and Complaints System “Tawasul".

The Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Tourism Authority, His Excellency Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, affirmed that the current session of “Food Festival" unprecedented success demonstrated the recovery of the tourism sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and reflected the sector's ability to restore; and even surpass; pre-pandemic performance and growth rates. He noted that this achievement proved once again the success of the esteemed government's directions in supporting and developing this sector.

H.E Minister Al Zayani stated during concluding the activities of Food Festivals that the current session had a large turnout and was the biggest of its kind compared to the previous six sessions, whether in terms of the number of participating restaurants or the number of visitors from citizens, residents, and tourists. He noted in this regard the significant role played by participating restaurants and the rich program of events in the success of the event.

His Excellency the Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism also acknowledged that the effects of recovering from the pandemic were visible in the hotel and restaurant sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which saw a real increase of 31.66%, and 39.82% at the current prices in the fourth quarter of 2021 compared to the fourth quarter of 2020; according to the statistics issued by the Information and e-Government Authority.

“These figures and indicators bolster our belief that we are on the verge of a major renaissance in the tourism sector, especially as we get closer every day to the launch and operation of major tourism projects such as the region's largest exhibition and conference center, the diving coast, and the Galali coast among others,  demonstrating Bahrain's ability to meet the ambitious goals set out in the Bahrain Tourism Strategy 2022-2026" Said H.E Minister Al Zayani, noting in this regard the efforts of the "Bahrain Tourism Authority," which has launched rich program of significant activities since the beginning of this year on a national, regional, and international scale.

It's noteworthy that Food Festival this year witnessed the participation of 120 restaurants, that served various types of food, drinks, and desserts. The "Cooking Corner," which featured several well-known Bahraini chefs preparing and cooking various sorts of cuisine in front of the public in a unique interactive setting, was another highlight of this year's food festival. This session also featured a wide range of events and exciting activities including  Bahraini artists who performed a variety of musical and artistic acts, in addition to raffles prizes that were also held throughout the event in collaboration with hotels and restaurants around Bahrain.​

His Excellency the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority, His Excellency Mr. Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, stated the authority's desire to revitalize the old Manama Souq and restore its status as one of the region's most prominent tourist attractions and markets of its sort.

Minister Al-Zayani confirmed, during his visit to the "Manama Gold" festival, organized by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority in the Manama Souq for the first time in the Kingdom of Bahrain, that the authority commits most of its time and resources to rejuvenate this Souq and attracting more visitors, based on the Manama Souq planned role in reviving heritage tourism as one of Bahrain's tourist strategy's pillars for the years 2022-2026.

HE Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism pointed out that the "Manama Gold" festival is a one-of-a-kind initiative that demonstrates the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority's commitment to supporting the vendors of the old Manama Souq, especially since the festival is rich in entertaining events that appeal to visitors of all ages.

His Excellency Minister Al-Zayani toured the festival, stopping at several participating stores, and praised everyone who contributed to the festival's success, including the Manama Digital Museum "Manama Story," which is a civil initiative aimed at documenting Manama's social, urban, and commercial life.

His Excellency Minister Al-Zayani was also briefed on the busy schedule of events surrounding the "Manama Gold Festival," which includes weekly raffles, as well as weekend events featuring live Bahraini music, popular fashion shows, the release of documentaries on the gold industry, and trade in Bahrain, and activities for children, among other activities.

GFH Properties, the real estate arm of GFH Financial Group, announced the opening of Harbour Walk with a two-month festival – “Lights at Bahrain Harbour"  under the patronage of H.E Mr. Zayed Bin Rashid  Al Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. Officially launching Harbour Walk and inviting visitors to enjoy the exciting new urban community located on the Manama waterfront, the festival will run from 14 December 2021 to 15 February 2022 and has been launched to coincide with celebrations marking the Kingdom's 50^th National Day. Present at the opening ceremony was H.E. Mr. Zayed Bin Rashid Al Zayani and other officials.

Commenting H.E Mr. Zayed Bin Rashid Al Zayani said, “The launch of the Harbour Walk is another milestone in the development of key urban and waterfront locations in the Kingdom. As a leading lifestyle, tourism and business destination, Bahrain continues to deliver new high-quality propositions that attract visitors, complement the Kingdom's world-class infrastructure and serve the needs of our local community. I'd like to congratulate GFH Properties and the Group on the successful opening of the project and its ongoing investments in Bahrain's development across key sectors. We look forward to seeing Bahrain Harbour thrive and deliver on its enormous potential."  

Mr. Majed Al Khan, Managing Director of GFH Properties, added, “We're extremely pleased to announce the opening of our iconic Harbour Walk, part of the Harbour Row development; a comprehensive, fully equipped, luxury mixed-use project right in the heart of Manama and its waterfront. We are especially proud to launch Bahrain Harbour alongside clebrations of the Kingdom's 50^th National Day. This project embodies the aspirations of the Kingdom's development plans and adds another vibrant new community with everything needed for the highest standards of living, working and entertainment. Our luxurious and highly sought-after residences, retail and hospitality offering is second to none and we look forward to welcoming visitors over the two-month festival to immerse themselves in the unique Bahrain Harbour experience​