Manama: Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, announced the return of the Bahraini Farmers' Market for its new season, organized in cooperation with the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) and STC Bahrain. According to Bahrain News Agency, the market will open on November 29 to February 14, 2026, at the Budaiya Botanical Garden, bringing together Bahraini farmers, local brands, and artisans. Al Mubarak highlighted the strong royal support the agricultural sector continues to receive from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who regards it as a key pillar of national food security. This vision has been translated into tangible programs under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to develop the sector and encourage private investment in agriculture. The minister praised the long-standing partnership with the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, led by Her Roy al Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and Chairperson of the NIAD Advisory Council, which has played an instrumental role in the market's continued success and sustainability. He also commended the private sector's contribution, represented by STC Bahrain, whose ongoing support strengthens the market's role in promoting local produce and advancing agricultural innovation. Al Mubarak stated that this season's market will feature 32 Bahraini farmers, alongside agricultural companies, nurseries, honey producers, and local craftspeople. It will also include family-run stalls, educational and entertainment activities for children, and a selection of cafés and restaurants to enrich the visitor experience. He added that the market provides a direct marketing platform linking farmers with consumers, encouraging product diversification and innovation to better serve local demand. For her part, Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the National Initiat ive for Agricultural Development (NIAD), stated that His Majesty the King's support remains the cornerstone of national efforts to boost local agricultural production. She also commended the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister to ensure the sector's growth through continued facilitation and investment. Shaikha Maram added that the close follow-up of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa has been vital in driving progress across the sector, raising productivity and efficiency. She noted that the Bahraini Farmers' Market has grown into a leading national platform attracting thousands of visitors from Bahrain and abroad, reflecting growing public confidence in locally produced goods and cementing the market's position as a major showcase for Bahraini farmers. She also underscored the strong cooperation between the ministry and NIAD in implementing programs to support farmers, while calling for greater private sector involvement in agricultural development initiatives. K halid Al Aseeri, STC Bahrain CEO, affirmed the company's continued support for the Farmers' Market, describing the partnership as part of STC's broader commitment to sustainable development and community engagement. Al Aseeri said that STC's collaboration with the ministry and NIAD provides a valuable opportunity to empower Bahraini farmers and promote locally produced goods, expressing the company's pride in contributing to an initiative that supports national agriculture and strengthens the local economy.
- June 10, 2026
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