Section III: Competitiveness and Effectiveness

Title: The Bahrain crafts industry: problems, solutions and future perspective

Author(s): Ali Hasan Follad

Address: P.O. Box 10066, Diplomatic Area, Manama Kingdom of Bahrain

Reference: BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AND COMPETITIVENESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA pp. 169 - 182

Abstract/Summary: Very few studies have dealt with the relationship between an indigenous craft sector and tourism and local demand from an economic and social perspective. The major obstacle facing the Kingdom of Bahrain for the medium term is to create non-oil related opportunities for the growing Bahraini workforce. This chapter identifies factors, which impede or assist the development of the local craft sector, within the local tourism industry particularly and the development of the economy generally, developments which can be further enhanced by greater support from local businesses and government. No comprehensive study of Bahrains craft industry exists, neither is there a clear-cut strategy to develop the handicraft sector in the Kingdom nor any attempt to study the impact of tourism on the production of Bahraini arts and crafts. This chapter therefore attempts to fill the gaps in relation to tourism and local demand opportunities.

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