Shop Bahrain, the largest nationwide festival in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced the Calendar of Events for the much-awaited celebration, which has already kick started from 24 December 2015 and will continue till 23 January 2016.
The second edition of the Bahrain Shopping Festival, a unique 30-day celebration of Bahrain’s heritage, hospitality and tourism offering for the entire family, boasts a wide range of events and unbeatable promotions for residents and visitors.
The inaugural event held last year under the name of ‘Bahrain Noor El Ain’ aimed to strengthen the partnership between the public and private entities in order to stimulate the national economy and drive the growth of the retail and tourism sector. The first edition, launched by Tamkeen, focused on supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs. Over 2,000 retail outlets took part generating BD18 million worth of shopping during the six-week festival along with the creation of 300 temporary jobs and a growth of 16% in regards to tourism.
A Gulf-wide roadshow was also launched this year spanning the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Doha in order to promote the festival along with dedicated travel packages available on the festival’s website.
Further commenting on the upcoming launch of Shop Bahrain, Project Director, Nawaf Al Kooheji said: “We remain focused to develop a strong partnership with all stakeholders in order to create a rich and fun-filled experience for residents and tourists. We have developed an enjoyable calendar of events for the entire family.
Shop Bahrain Calendar
of Events
Main Events
Taste Tour
Date: Until the 9th of January 2016
Location: Block 338 in Adliya
Time: Based on each restaurants operating hours
‘Taste Tour’ is where some of Adliya’s top restaurants invite participants to sample dishes and vote for their favorite restaurants.
Al Riwaq’s ‘The Nest’
Date: Every weekend until the 9th of January 2016
Location: Block 338 in Adliya
Time: Thursday from 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Friday from 3:00pm to 10:00pm
Saturday from 12:00pm to 8:00pm
Bringing together local and regional talents and entrepreneurs under one roof during the weekend event, Al Riwaq’s ‘The Nest’ aims to promote the latest creations from clothes, jewellery, ceramics, furniture and much more.
VIVA ‘Shop & Skate
Date: 24th December 2015 until the 23rd of January 2016
Location: Al A’ali Shopping Complex, Seef District
Time: 4:00pm to 10:00pm during weekdays and 4:00pm to 12:00am during weekends
The largest outdoor ice-skating rink will open to the public during the festival
Shopping Mall Activities
Reverse Bungee Jumping
Date: 24th December 2015 to 23rd January 2016
Location: Al A’ali Shopping Complex, Seef District
Time: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Shoppers will be able to experience a once-in-a-lifetime thrill with the Reverse Bungee Jumping event
Art Exhibition by Jamal Abdulrahim
Date: 24th December 2015 to 6th January 2016
Location: Moda Mall, Manama
Time: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Selfie Station
Date: 7th January 2016
Location: Reef Mall, Hamad Town
Time: 11:00am to 11:00pm
Date: 15th January 2016
Location: Sultan Mall, Zayed Town
Time: 12:00pm to 12:00am
Shoppers will be able to take instant pictures with family and friends in the vicinity of each mall. The pictures can be printed, sent electronically to emails or posted on social media accounts.
Betty Balloon
Date: 7th to 9th January 2016
Location: Seef Mall, Muharraq
Time: 10:00am to 10:00pm
‘Betty’ is world renowned children’s balloon sculpture and entertainer. The event will also include a story-telling segment.
Children’s Cinema
Date: 7th to 9th January to the 14th to 16th January 2016
Location: Enma Mall, Riffa
Time: 10:00am to 10:00pm
A children’s cinema will be created in the heart of the mall featuring some of the most popular cartoons and Disney features.
Children Art Workshop
Date: 8th January 2016
Location: Saar Mall, Saar
Time: 3:00pm to 9:00pm
A workshop will be held for children aimed at developing their creative and artistic talents.
Rock Climbing
Date: 8th to 15th January 2016
Location: Bahrain Mall, Sanabis
Time: 10:00am to 10:00pm
Enjoy the most thrilling sports activity; rock climbing, located in the heart of Bahrain Mall.
Big Names
Date: 8th to 15th January 2016
Location: City Centre Bahrain,
Seef District
Time: 10:00am to 10:00pm
A live exhibition of unforgettable world icons will be held at the mall including Coco Chanel, Walt Disney, Mozart and Albert Einstein. The live exhibition will be roaming around the mall and shoppers will be able to take pictures with the icons.
Among other activities, are the promotions offered by the participating retail outlets and the opportunity to enter the weekly raffle draw. With the purchase of BD10 or more, each shopper will be able to register within the Loyalty Scheme launched for Shop Bahrain.