The Jaffaria Waqf Directorate announced the launch of a chain of traditional shopping malls under the name of (Waqf Plaza) in the various governorates of Bahrain in order to invest the Waqf lands in creating jobs for young people, embrace traditional crafts, the revival of historical and cultural heritage in different areas of Bahrain, as well as promoting family tourism so as to contribute to the development of Waqf revenue and the society.
Al Khamees Traditional Shopping Mall Project will be the first of these projects listed on the plan. This project aims to revive 143 Al Khamees heritage market in the space near the archaeological mosque, which will revive Al Khamees Area.
On this occasion, the Chairman of the Jaffaria Waqf Board, Shaikh Mohsin Al Asfoor announced: “The Jaffaria Waqf and within its sustainable strategy in long-term, the Waqf Board adopted a project of reviving the ancient craft in Bahrain and within a future strategy that contributes to the creation ,of employment opportunities so as to contribute to the development of Waqf”.
Al Khamees Traditional Shopping Mall Project will include many old-fashioned shops in addition to traditional restaurants, shops to display the collection of productive families and handicrafts, as well as family rest rooms and an open space for exhibitions and events.
Al Asfoor added: “Al Khamees Traditional Shopping Mall Project is located in the historic site of Al Khamees heritage market, where he people of Bilad Al Qadeem Village worked in farming and selling pearls according to the historical sources, and the country was a financial and administrative center, and its port is located in Tubli Bay, and both minarets of Al Khamees Mosque were guiding the ships heading towards the port”.
Al Khamees Market had a great impact on the economy and capital investment as the traders from all over Bahrain flock to it, and this market was divided into different shops so that every shop is dedicated to a particular commodity.
The second project within (Waqf Plaza) will be The North City Traditional Shopping Mall Project, which will be attached with a service area called (Grand.Station) and other services.