Bahrain's labour fund Tamkeen has signed a MoU with Manama Municipality to support the establishment of “Al Leewan” Cultural Village project being built on an area of 4,766 sq m south of the eastern coast (Al Fateh Corniche).

The agreement is part of their joint objective to support SMEs and develop Bahrain's economy, said a statement from Tamkeen.

The project will include 26 shops along with dedicated yards, areas designated for antique collections, and a museum where old traditional items will be displayed.

It will also include workshops for handicrafts and traditional crafts, family guesthouses, restrooms, a prayer area, cooling areas, automatic umbrellas, and green spaces throughout the village.

Commercial activities in the village will include sale of spices, perfumes, old musical instruments, traditional furniture, textile products, and herbs. An area is also planned to be designated for gold and silver products along with jewelry works.

Productive families and artisans will also have designated sections to show traditional handicrafts and products such as swords, daggers, and embroidery items - craftsthat emphasise Bahrain's national heritage and maintain traditional professions, said the statement.

Tamkeen's participation in this leading project is part of its efforts to support and develop the private sector as the key driver of economic development, said a senior official.

"'Al Leewan' Cultural Village project provides entrepreneurs who have business ideas related to Bahrain's culture and heritage with the opportunity to turn these ideas into reality and contribute to the Bahraini economy," remarked its chairman and acting chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa.

"Tamkeen's support for this project therefore comes as part of its ongoing efforts to encourage and help entrepreneurs establish and develop their commercial activities," he added.

Manama Municipality director general Sheikh Mohammed Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the project is aimed at supporting private sector enterprises and increasing their contribution to the national economy, as well as advancing the commercial activity.

"This is an implementation of the government programme under His Highness Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, with support from Dr Juma Bin Ahmed Al-Ka'abi, Minister of Municipality Affairs and Urban Planning, and through co-ordination and cooperation with Manama Municipal Council," he stated.

The project is part of the municipality's efforts to contribute towards increasing family income and develop Bahraini talents to meet market demands, he added.

“Al Leewan” cultural village project is the first and largest cultural project aimed at supporting Bahraini young talents and promoting their business creativity, said the Tamkeen in its statement.

The project comes as part of Manama Municipality's initiatives and its 2014 development strategy, which seeks to support Bahrain's economy and tourism and raise the kingdom's profile locally and regionally, it stated.

It is being planned to help promote tourism in the area, which contains various attractions to residents and visitors. In its design and architecture, the project intends to reflect the spirit of traditional buildings and provide all the elements that help attract visitors in order to render the project successful.

The project is also intended to improve the standard of living for artisans and productive families, enhance Bahraini national heritage, and develop handicrafts and hand-made industries that reflect the country's cultural identity and national authenticity, the statement added.-TradeArabia News Service