Bahraini Women Entrepreneurs Thrive with Sweets and Spices

Noora Khalid Musaifer roasts spices before mixing and packaging them in special bottles ready for sale.

In the heart of Bahrain, a woman’s passion for sweet treats has blossomed into a thriving business. What began as baking cookies for family and friends has grown into Brown Sugar, a brand representing both her love for desserts and her journey toward independence.

“I used to love eating sweets,” said Eman Fareed, a mother and retired civil servant, while baking in her kitchen. “At first, I baked biscuits just for my family. They loved them, and friends encouraged me to sell. That’s when I realised I could turn this into something bigger.”

Fareed is among the beneficiaries of Kaaf Humanitarian, a Bahrain-based NGO launched in 2021 that empowers individuals and communities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Kaaf displayed products from its beneficiaries, including sweets and spices, at the fifth World Entrepreneurship Investment Forum (WEIF) in Manama, 2024, facilitated by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

Saud Al Mahmood of Kaaf explained that “productive families” rely on members’ skills to provide for the household and improve living standards. Kaaf supports them with training, tools, and financial assistance to improve products and compete in the market.

Another beneficiary, Noora Khalid Musaifer, expanded her business from home-grown spices to high-quality coffee roasting under the brand Mallawal. Financial backing, packaging, branding support, and digital marketing training from Kaaf helped both Fareed and Musaifer grow their ventures, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Women entrepreneurs regularly gather at Kaaf Humanitarian House in Manama to showcase their products and develop business skills. Budoor Buhijji, a university lecturer, said, “They are housewives, running small entrepreneurial projects from home, aiming to expand locally and internationally.”

Both women credit Kaaf for providing essential support. Fareed dreams of opening a factory, leaving a legacy, and inspiring her children. Musaifer hopes to continue growing her handmade spice business. Their stories highlight the resilience and success of Bahraini women in a traditionally male-dominated business environment.