Bahrain is considering a proposal spearheaded by Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman MP Hassan Bukhammas to integrate local fishermen with the luxury tourism sector, a plan that received unanimous support from the Capital Trustees Board on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The initiative aims to support Bahraini fishermen, enhance the kingdom’s tourism offerings, and strengthen the connection between modern developments and its maritime identity. MP Bukhammas stated that the proposal offers a practical solution, benefiting fishermen with access to suitable locations and new income sources, while allowing hotels and resorts to provide genuine Bahraini maritime experiences.
"Many fishermen have lost access to traditional launching points and fishing areas as urban expansion transformed large parts of the coastline," Bukhammas explained. "Visitors can enjoy recreational fishing trips, boat excursions, snorkelling adventures, diving experiences and coastal tours led by experienced Bahraini fishermen. These activities showcase our maritime heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities for fishing families." He noted the increasing numbers of European visitors to Bahrain, urging the kingdom to leverage this momentum by introducing unique attractions that highlight its culture and traditions. "In Phuket, tourists can go out with fishermen, explore the coastline, enjoy fishing trips and experience local maritime culture first-hand," Bukhammas said, suggesting Bahrain could create its own model combining tourism development with fishing heritage preservation.
Fishermen's Plight and Tourism Boost
The proposed initiative in Bahrain aims to address challenges faced by fishermen who have been displaced by extensive coastal development. Urban expansion along the kingdom's coastline has impacted traditional launching points and fishing areas, leading to difficulties for the local fishing community. The proposal seeks to mitigate these issues by providing fishermen with new opportunities and access to suitable locations within the framework of the tourism sector.
In parallel, the initiative also aims to create new attractions for Bahrain’s growing tourism sector. By integrating fishermen into luxury tourism, the plan intends to offer unique maritime experiences to visitors, including recreational fishing trips, boat excursions, snorkelling, diving, and coastal tours. These activities, led by experienced Bahraini fishermen, are designed to showcase the kingdom's maritime heritage while generating sustainable economic opportunities for fishing families and enhancing the overall tourism appeal.
Details of the Proposed Initiative
Under the new proposal, selected waterfront hotels and resorts across Bahrain would allocate dedicated space for local fishermen. The initiative intends for these designated areas to serve as operational bases for the fishermen. From these locations, fishermen would be permitted to conduct traditional and recreational marine activities, catering to both local residents and tourists. The plan aims to integrate the fishing community directly into the luxury tourism offerings, providing visitors with authentic Bahraini maritime experiences. This integration is designed to create new economic avenues for fishermen while enhancing the tourism sector's appeal.
International Precedent and Visitor Experience
The proposal for Bahrain's luxury tourism sector draws parallels with international models, particularly referencing Phuket, Thailand. In Phuket, hotels and resorts collaborate with local fishermen to offer marine tourism activities, providing a template for how Bahrain could integrate its fishing community into its growing tourism industry. This approach allows visitors to engage in authentic maritime experiences while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local fishermen. By observing similar successful models, Bahrain aims to develop a unique offering that leverages its rich maritime heritage. The integration seeks to enhance the visitor experience by providing direct interaction with local culture and traditions, as fishermen lead excursions and activities.
Official Endorsement and Vision
The proposal has drew support from several legislative bodies, with four fellow Members of Parliament backing the initiative. Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah welcomed the proposal, emphasizing its alignment with Bahrain's strategic goals. "The board unanimously supported the proposal because it brings together several important objectives," Tarradah stated. "It supports Bahraini fishermen, enhances the tourism offering and strengthens the connection between modern developments and the kingdom’s maritime identity." He further elaborated on the experiential aspect of contemporary tourism. "Tourism today is about experiences," Tarradah added, explaining that providing visitors with opportunities to interact with local fishermen, enjoy marine activities, and learn about Bahrain’s seafaring traditions adds a valuable dimension to the hospitality sector while helping preserve an important part of the national heritage.
