Manama: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce, confirmed the Ministry’s commitment to continuing the development of a supportive regulatory environment for entrepreneurship and creating new commercial opportunities for citizens. He noted that this will enable Bahraini talents and skills to turn their expertise into organised and sustainable projects that contribute to diversifying business activity and strengthening the Kingdom of Bahrain’s unique national identity in the local market.
This came following the issuance of Edict (36) of 2026 on identifying commercial activities that are limited to Bahrainis. The edict reflects the focus on providing promising opportunities for citizens in areas linked to Bahraini products and heritage activities, including Bahraini sweets production, the production and packaging of date palm blossom water and traditional local waters, Bahraini traditional industries, providing Bahraini hospitality and traditional food services for events, and providing live Bahraini traditional performances.
Minister Fakhro highlighted that introducing these activities is not simply about adding new categories to the commercial directory. He underscored that it provides a clear framework for practising activities deeply rooted in Bahraini society and gives skilled individuals an organised path to develop their products and services and reach a wider range of consumers, events and destinations. He added that this will increase the economic value of local heritage while preserving its authenticity and continuity.
He added that Bahrain is rich in traditional skills and talents passed down through generations, representing an important part of the country’s national identity. He noted that, through regulating these activities, the Ministry aims to turn these skills into real business opportunities, enabling Bahraini citizens to build their own projects and enrich the market with distinctive local products, services and experiences.
To provide more flexibility for those wishing to practise these activities, Ministerial Decision (33) of 2026 was issued to allow the activities of providing Bahraini hospitality and traditional food services for events, and providing live Bahraini traditional performances, to be carried out through the virtual store “Sijili”. This allows business owners to benefit from a flexible model that provides legal status for the activity without requiring the establishment to be registered at an office or business premises address, subject to approved requirements and conditions. This helps simplify entry into business and encourages innovation and individual initiative within a fair competitive environment.
Minister Fakhro noted that the initiative is the result of coordination with relevant government entities to ensure these activities are organised in line with approved requirements while preserving their authenticity. He said that the aim is to showcase them in markets, events, and tourism and cultural destinations.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce invited citizens with skills and experience in these fields to learn more about the activities and requirements through the “Sijilat” system and take advantage of these new opportunities to develop projects that carry an authentic Bahraini identity and have the potential for commercial growth.
