Local News

Fair's the word

January 28 - February 3, 2009
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Thousands of bargain hunters have been heading to Bahrain International Exhibition Centre to grab the best bargains at the annual Autumn Fair.

The fair, which is in its 20 year, runs until Thursday.

Visitors and guests are being enticed by merchants selling all sorts of goods and products from extravagant carpets, precious gems, musical instruments, perfumes, accessories, jewellery, leather goods and chandeliers to farm fresh honey, dried nuts, electronic items and other household products.

Honey seller Majeed Mudabber, 33, from Iran said: "I have been coming to the fair for 12 years now. I used to accompany my father.

"Business has been really good here."

Egyptian Essam Abd Al Monam, 47, has been visiting the island for 15 years and says his stall, selling all sorts of charms and other souvenirs, has had a good deal of attention.

He said: "This market is very thirsty in Egypt and does very well. The business has also been very good here and I hope to return again next year."

New exhibitors displaying their products feel positive about the fair and hope to see more pariticpation in the coming years.

Trish Hill, 59, from Australia who manages a stall selling Nana Mays products for hands, body and feet has returned to the fair after a first visit last year.

She said: "Last year we got some good figures in business. We met a lot of lovely people. We will definitely come back next year."

Aside from the businessmen, visitors also have been returning to the fair, which has become a tradition for most Bahrain residents.

Isa Ebrahim, 31, from Muharraq visits at least three or four times throughout the run of the exhibition.

He said: ""I really like the fair. I have been coming with my family here for a few years now. We get some good bargains here like the Iranian carpets, rings, food and saffron. The quality is also really good.

"The only problem, however, is the traffic. The police should do something about it. It's too crowded and congested."

Carolina Bautista, 38 from Juffair said: "The Autumn fair has really good bargains especially in household items. And it's much better to come in the mornings as the evenings are very crowded."

The exhibition has nearly 600 stands from over 25 countries including China, Egypt, India, Kuwait, Syria, the UAE, Poland and Australia.

A grand prize draw will take place on Thursday where a lucky visitor can win a 2009 Kia Picanto car.

The raffle ticket comes free with every ticket bought. Daily prizes are also given away.







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