Startup MGZN speaks to the Bahrain Noor El Ain team, a national initiative which aims to create economic & commercial benefit for the Kingdom of Bahrain, the private sector & its people. It’s a multifaceted event celebrating Bahraini achievements & its rich culture and heritage.
What is the Festival of Bahrain Noor El Ain?
The Bahrain Noor El Ain Festival (BNEA) is a national initiative which aims to create economic and commercial benefit for the Kingdom of Bahrain, the private sector and its people. It’s a multifaceted event celebrating Bahraini achievements and its rich culture and heritage.
The nation-wide festival is being led by a committee that comprises of Tamkeen, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Information Affairs Authority, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Urban Planning, Ministry of Health, Gulf Air, Bahrain Development Bank, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat), and Edamah. It is also supported by several private and public sector organizations. As a major event for Bahrain, by Bahrainis, it is supported through the collaboration and contribution of the public sector and private sector.
What are the highlights or main pillars of the festival?
The Bahrain Noor El Ain festival is a two-month nation-wide event, comprised of three main elements: A shopping festival, an entrepreneurship award and, localized bazaars.
During the Bahrain Noor El Ain festival, shoppers will enjoy discounts and special offers as well as get the chance to win many exciting prizes. In addition, Entertainment and Cultural activities will be included as part of the shopping experience. The localized bazaars will take place over the weekends in all four of the governorates, each will have a theme and vendors and entertainment will take place at each.
Lastly, the entrepreneurship award is to celebrate entrepreneurship in Bahrain achieved across various fields and to inspire continued innovation nation-wide.
Can you tell us how this idea came to be?
Bahrain hosts a variety of cultural, retail and entrepreneurship events separately during the course of the year. We felt that if we could bring many of these together under one banner it would offer an exciting focal point for the winter months, further enhancing the experience for residents and visitors alike. In addition, taking place when the country is booming with visitors, the Bahrain Noor El Ain festival coincides with the Kingdom’s National Days and other important anniversaries which are traditionally marked with exciting activities.
In what way does the festival promote a positive culture of entrepreneurship?
To celebrate entrepreneurship in Bahrain we are launching an Award event, which will recognize achievements across various fields and inspire continued innovation nation-wide. Applications will be welcomed from the week of November and until the 31st December and will culminate in an award ceremony in February. This recognition will place Bahrain at the forefront of stimulating the entrepreneurial spirit and will expose winners who will be chosen by 6 respected judges, to investors and business leaders in the country and beyond. Furthermore, to encourage the public’s participation in recognizing the range of Bahraini entrepreneurial talent, we will also be hosting a ‘People’s Choice’ category.
How will businesses be nominated for the entrepreneurship awards? Is there some sort of criteria?
Entry will be comprised of both an application and nomination mechanism, through which an organising committee filters received applications and the Judging Committee will choose semi-finalists and finalists as per established categories. The categories for the awards will be announced soon.
In order to be eligible nominees must reside in Bahrain, have a Commercial Registration or a home-based Business License, have a business that is at least 50% Bahraini-owned and possess audited financial records unless a micro-enterprise or startup. Nominated businesses must not be owned by the government in part or whole, have a criminal record, be an award supplier or sponsor, have employees involved with the awards judging panel or organisation or be a listed company, franchisee or nonprofit.
Full details on this landmark entrepreneurship award competition will be announced in the last week of November, in the media and on the website and social media channels of www.bahrainnoorelain.com
How can retailers register to participate in the shopping festival?
We encourage independent retailers, of all sizes, to participate in the Shopping Festival. Registration is now open and participants can register at Bahrain Noor El Ain kiosks at the Beit Al Tijjar lobby in Seef and designated kiosks at the Northern and Muharraq Municipality Offices. The cost to enroll is 20BD which entitles you to a retailer package.
For further information, or to find out how your outlet can participate in the Bahrain Noor El Ain festival, please visit www.bahrainnoorelain.com or call the main call centre number 17000710 or email info@bahrainnoorelain.com.
Where can our readers find out more about The Festival of Bahrain Noor El Ain?
Your readers can stay up to date on all Bahrain Noor El Ain events and updates through the website at www.bahrainnoorelain.com and our social media channels. There is also a hotline on 17000710 for enquiries as well.