Hawa Al Manama set for 31-day comeback

TDT | Manama

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Hawa Al Manama is returning for a 31-day run after visitor numbers more than doubled at its previous edition, with three companies now competing to stage the popular Manama Souq festival.

The Tender Board opened bids yesterday for the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority contract to design, manage and operate the 2026 festival.

Tarteeb Events and Marketing W.L.L submitted the lowest bid at BD431,501.400, followed by Our Creative Studio W.L.L at BD550,000 and Design Creative at BD732,132.500.

The winning company will be responsible for the festival’s attractions, food and entertainment, cultural experiences, vendors, urban art, installations, lighting, visitor services, staffing, marketing and branding.

All three bids will now undergo technical and financial evaluation, with the lowest offer not necessarily guaranteed to win.

The festival transforms parts of the old Manama Souq into a celebration of the capital’s past, featuring music, food, games, cultural displays and street attractions.

The previous edition covered areas including Al Khalifa Avenue, Bab Al Bahrain Avenue and Sallahuddin District, bringing together around 200 Bahraini businesses, more than 800 shops and over 90 experiences. More than 250 young Bahrainis also took part.

The strong turnout prompted organisers to add two extra days in January after visitors, traders and participants called for a longer run.