Noor El Ain

The Noor-el-Ain (Arabic “the light of the eye”) is one of the largest pink diamonds in the world. What better name could the organisers have selected for a lively and bright event when the whole island is as lovely as a bride? Coinciding with the celebrations of the 43rd National Day and 14th anniversary of Coronation of His Majesty King Hamed bin Isa Al Khalifa, the entire nation is bejeweled in sparkling diamond-like lamps in red and white. Add to this the brilliant display of man-made stars on the evening high – the wonderful fireworks display on the eve of the National Day on the 16th December.

Running over 2 months, from 15 December 2014 to 16 February 2015, the Bahrain Noor El Ain festival comprises of the main shopping festival with participation from the nation’s shops and retailers; a series of local events and bazaars, the entrepreneurs awards celebrating achievement and creativity across all sectors.

To be held annually, the festival of Bahrain Noor El Ain aims to make the streets of Bahrain come alive with energy and enthusiasm, boost the economy, and increase retail trade and inbound tourism.

Local bazaars and street markets will spring up adding to the festive fair with not just their wares to sell but offering entertainment, food, competitions, street art and themed creative ideas that will indeed make it a mega event to remember.

The events will unfold at these venues…

1 | The Street Bazaar, Adliya District

2 | The Entertainment Bazaar, Al Basta Market, BIC, Sakhir (Every weekend starting Dec 19th 2014 till Feb 14th 2015, 4pm to 10pm)

3 | The Garden Bazaar, Farmers Market , Budaiya (Jan 17-19th 2015, 8am to 5pm)

4 | The Old Town Bazaar, Arad Fort Corniche, Muharraq (Jan 29-31, 2015, 4pm-10pm)

The restaurant hub of Bahrain and home to the iconic Market 338, this venue in Adliya is transformed into a vibrant art and entrepreneurial space. In collaboration with the Al Riwaq Art Space, the festival will help extend the retailers’ activities through to the National Day weekend.

Restaurant offers, retail bargains, shopping delights, music, daytime fun and carriages in the night will add to the festive charm around the National Day Festivities.

In a first of a series of four, MyRefractions will take you through a tour of The Street Bazaar. Please watch this space for the rest…

Adliya Street Bazaar showcased the creativity at its best from several organisations and start-ups. Upcy Arty, Anahata Tribals, A2 Belladonna and Lights, Camera, Fashion out-sparkled the rest with their conceptual brilliance and exceptional capability to deliver.