Capital Center for Bahraini Hand Products is one of the pioneering and cultural projects in Bahrain
10-10-2019
His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, and His Excellency Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, Governor of the Capital Governorate, conducted a joint visit to the Capital Mall for Bahraini handmade products in Karbabad. The visit came in response to the Governor’s initiative to review the achievements of Bahraini productive families, with the complex serving as one of the centres supporting the National Project for Family Development. During the visit, both sides were briefed on key support services for micro‑productive family projects, as well as the dedicated spaces within the complex for showcasing and marketing family‑made products. They also reviewed the specialised programmes offered by the development and rehabilitation centres housed at the complex, which strengthen production and marketing capabilities, improve quality, and help beneficiaries manage their private projects. The delegation heard success stories arising from these programmes and encouraged beneficiaries to continue on their path of success and excellence. Humaidan affirmed that the Capital Mall for Bahraini handmade products is one of Bahrain’s pioneering projects for the economic empowerment of individuals and families, providing an enabling environment and permanent outlets to promote their products. He noted that the number of Bahraini productive families has exceeded 650 families, and that legal cover has been provided through the Khatwa programme for home projects, in line with the esteemed Government’s interest in productive Bahraini families. In this regard, the Council of Ministers issued Resolution No. (39) of 2010 regulating the practising of productive activity from home (productive home). The resolution established the Productive Home Record, in which all data related to home‑based productive activity are recorded, including the identity of the owner and the type of activity practised. Humaidan explained that the Khatwa programme for home projects opens avenues for youth, the unemployed, and Bahraini women seeking economic empowerment and increased family income. It also offers a flexible work option for senior citizens and retirees. The programme develops productive families—especially lower‑income households—by supporting crafts, home industries, and traditional and heritage products, thereby raising production quality and boosting competitiveness in local and global markets. For his part, Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa affirmed that productive‑family centres play a significant role in encouraging artistic investment and reflect the development of Bahrain’s experience in traditional professions—among the most effective means of cultivating human potential, independent thinking, contemplation, and precision. He also highlighted the Ministry of Labour and Social Development’s role in positioning Manama as a prominent hub for productive families, noting the centre’s cultural mission to preserve the Kingdom’s human heritage and praising the Ministry’s support for practitioners of traditional crafts through specialised centres. The Capital Mall project contributes to establishing the Kingdom of Bahrain as a centre for productive families and advanced traditional industries, strengthening society through the promotion of work and production. It also increases the number of productive families, spreads the concept of self‑employment, and nurtures entrepreneurship through specialised courses, while supporting and safeguarding traditional industries. The mall showcases and markets the products of more than 140 home‑based families and includes a popular café serving traditional foods at competitive prices, managed by a productive Bahraini family. Total sales in 2018 reached 63,662 Bahraini dinars, and no operating or rental fees are charged to beneficiary families. The Capital Mall for Bahraini handmade products has become a distinctive cultural and tourist landmark, attracting prominent visitors and tourists as well as citizens and residents. Visitors consistently express admiration for Bahrain’s experience in supporting productive families and for Bahrainis’ success in preserving traditional industries in a modern, consumer‑friendly style that delights all who visit.