Under the Patronage of H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Al Zayani the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the Information Systems Directorate in liaison with Export Bahrain launched the eCommerce Champions Overseas Program, with the participation of the following companies as mentors: Al Zain Jewelry, Annada Brand, Traditional Trends, Tru Active, Arihant Jewellers and Eatco.

It is worth mentioning, that these leading companies in the field of export through eCommerce will support this program by sharing their expertise with the companies that are interested in exporting through eCommerce as well as, providing mentoring sessions in this field through for registered companies in this program.

This initiative is one of the initiatives included in the eCommerce National Strategy that was launched by the Ministry, as the eCommerce sector is highly prioritized by the Ministry through developing, thorough planning and proper implementation of the initiatives included in the strategy that will foster this sector and will contribute to the Kingdom of Bahrain digital economy.

The program aims to encourage companies' exports through eCommerce as well as, to boost the contribution of eCommerce in exports and assist companies with their digital transformation.

The eCommerce Champions Overseas Program is a mentorship program which will provide mentoring sessions by experienced companies in the field of eCommerce and exports.

The Program will provide a good opportunity to those willing to enter the field of exports by harnessing the power and strengths of eCommerce as well as gaining insights on successful stories in this field and getting the required knowledge and experiences in addition to facilitating their entry to this field.

The qualified companies from this program will be selected and awarded the title of eCommerce Champion Overseas.

Hence, The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism invites the companies and establishments wishing to participate in the program to register by visiting https://service.moic.gov.bh/champions, for further information or inquiries please contact us on 17574888 or by email ecom@www.moic.gov.bh

Under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Seef Properties has officially inaugurated Yabeela Family Entertainment Centre in Al Liwan, Hamala, in the presence of the Company's Chairman, Mr. Essa Mohamed Najibi, members of the Board of Directors and Executive Management, and a group of officials, businessmen and representatives of the private sector.

Yabeela is considered the largest entertainment centre in the Kingdom of Bahrain, located on an area of 6,000 square meters. It includes more than 150 new interactive games, which are entering the Bahraini market for the first time, targeting three age groups: children, adults, and families. Yabeela goers will have an ideal opportunity for unparalleled fun, thanks to the diversity of game areas and accompanying facilities.

Both young and adult visitors will experience excitement in a world of adventure satisfying all tastes. There is also a large hall for hosting children's birthday parties, equipped with the latest interactive packages and equipment.

With its modern facilities and innovative games, Yabeela aims to redefine the concept of family entertainment Kingdom-wide, becoming the latest entertainment outlet in Al Liwan. Its open and closed facilities guarantee an atmosphere of joy through all seasons, harnessing the latest technologies in the world of entertainment for an exceptional and unforgettable experience. Yabeela will be open to the public starting Friday, April 29, 2022.

On this occasion, His Excellency Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, stated, "We are pleased to inaugurate Yabeela in Al Liwan, which constitutes a promising development in the tourism and family entertainment sector in Bahrain. We thank Seef Properties for its tireless efforts to revive the tourism sector by introducing innovative projects that leave a tangible impact on the national economy. Al Liwan, with its modern facilities and hospitality centres such as Yabeela and others, will become a promising attraction for visitors in the Northern Governorate."

For his part, Mr. Essa Mohamed Najibi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Seef Properties, said, "We are pleased to inaugurate Yabeela, the Company's latest and largest entertainment project. We especially thank His Excellency the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism for honouring us with his presence. This project will make Seef Properties the largest operator of entertainment projects in the Kingdom, consolidating the Company's leadership in the family entertainment sector and placing it at the forefront of the local market. The entertainment centre complies with Bahrain's tourism strategy in developing leisure tourism and placing the tourism sector among the promising sectors to supplement and diversify the national economy, in line with the objectives of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030."

In turn, Mr. Ahmed Yusuf, CEO of Seef Properties, said, "We are pleased with the inauguration of Yabeela in Al Liwan in conjunction with Eid Al-Fitr, constituting a qualitative addition to the Company's operations in the family entertainment sector. The centre complements Al Liwan's unique composition as the latest modern mixed-use projects in the Kingdom, which will make Al Liwan a favoured destination among visitors for meeting the needs of the modern family of various age groups. At Seef Properties, we are committed to providing everything new and innovative in the world of entertainment, based on a long history of pioneering the sector since the Company's establishment 23 years ago. We will continue our relentless efforts to redefine the entertainment sector and push tourism activity towards broader horizons of growth and development."

It is noteworthy that Seef Properties has pioneered the family entertainment sector since 1999, with the inauguration of Magic Island in Seef Mall as the first indoor entertainment centre at that time. The Magic Island brand expanded to Seef Mall - Muharraq in 2015, then the launch of Jumpoline in Seef Mall - Isa Town, as the largest entertainment centre for trampoline jumping in the Kingdom, in the year 2019. The Company also recently launched the Seef Entertainment Company, which will be the entertainment arm of Seef Properties, managing the Company's projects in the entertainment sector.​

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.​