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Thousands of nautical-loving fans are flocking to the kingdom’s second Sea Festival staged at Bahrain Bay to learn about the island’s rich maritime history and traditions.
The event, organised by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), runs until Saturday and showcases the beauty of the kingdom’s pearl and diving trade over the years and the creative craftsmanship of dhows along with clam chucking and basket weaving.
There is also a seafood market, activities and plenty of family entertainment including live performances. Zayed Bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, said: “The Sea Festival aims to revive the kingdom’s legacy as well as educate visitors and tourists by integrating the past with the present.
“Visitors are also exposed to traditional sea-related handicrafts and authentic diving equipment and learn about the history through modern technology in order to preserve it for the future generations.”
From the moment visitors’ step into a giant dome entrance, which is covered with long blue streamers symbolising tentacles, they are immersed in a serene sea-life ambiance. Long blue bubble lights hang from the dome ceiling while fish and turtles swim across giant LED screens on either side.
A large museum space then greets them featuring a pearl jewellery merchant section, a Techno Aqua World with virtual gaming and other water-related activities for children, along with a colouring zone.
An historical section features the kingdom’s pearl diving and maritime timeline with visuals, graphics and audio presentations. There are antique tools, sculptures and boats on display as well as a handicrafts area.
Past the museum doors, visitors will delight in the view of a large market on the sand leading to where well-lit dhows are docked including more handicrafts, retailers and a food area offering an array of sea food and some international cuisine.
One of the stalls being featured at the venue is the newly-unveiled Bahrain Rowing & Canoe Centre (BRC). IT specialist and Tamarran start-up business owner, Ali Zayer, 33, shared his new application and the centre’s upcoming offerings.
Ali, from Jerdab, said: “Tamarran is an online platform that helps people in Bahrain find and book sports venues and recreational activities. I think this event is a great opportunity for start-ups and businesses that are into sports to exhibit and show what they have in terms of services and activities related to the sea.
“The sea plays a big part in our identity. We have our own beach community and we are trying to grow it.
“We have many locals and expats who love water sport activities. BRC is a new centre and we are trying to introduce rowing to Bahrain.”
Located in Bahrain Bay, visitors will soon be able to hire an Olympic rowing boat or dragon boat to test their rowing skills. The service is set to be officially launched later this week.
Rowing champion Martha Delong, 61, from Amwaj Islands, shared her story with visitors to encourage more people to take up the challenge. She said: “The Sea Festival is exciting and I am impressed with the interest in this kind of sport. Also, walking around the festival, I am in awe of the boat builders. They are wonderful and the dhows are magic boats. Watching them on the water and seeing the up-close craftsmanship blows my mind.
“The diving pearl history is also phenomenal, especially as I’m a geologist.”
The outdoor area also includes a painting zone where artists stage live demonstrations and their work will be displayed throughout the festival. Other activities include a surfing simulator, free diving shows and a stage featuring an array of traditional performances.
A band of drummers dressed as fish paraded around the venue while families dined in the food area situated in front of the stage. Large balloon shells are placed around the venue to add to the oceanic element.
Indian expats Jamie and Kenneth Dacosta attended the event with their daughters, Chloe, one-and-a-half, and Alena, three. She was joined by her sister Olivia Gabriel, her husband, Bobby, and their daughter Keira, eight, and family friend, Oscar D’Souza.
Jamie said: “The festival is great. We were born and brought up in Bahrain so it’s wonderful to see the traditions and history. The children loved the gaming area and the diving show is great.”
The Sea Festival is open from 4pm to 10pm Saturday to Thursday and from 4pm to 11pm on Friday.
Tickets are priced at BD2 per person and free for children under four.
