Not just Dubai: Bahrain hotel enters kosher travel market
The Orthodox Union has been consulting with the hotel on establishing a kosher kitchen.
By LAHAV HARKOV Buildings are seen from across the water in Doha, Qatar(photo credit: REUTERS)
Following the surge of interest from Jewish travelers in visiting the United Arab Emirates since it made peace with Israel, the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Manama, Bahrain, is now capitalizing on the Abraham Accords and opening a kosher kitchen.The Orthodox Union has been consulting with the hotel about establishing a kosher kitchen to be overseen by a kashrut supervisor who will also be part of the kosher culinary team.The Ritz Carlton in Manama will be the first hotel in Bahrain to offer kosher food to guests.“The Abraham Accords has opened new destinations for kosher travelers in the Gulf that have never existed before,” OU Kosher CEO Rabbi Menachem Genack said.“Because of our global resources, our team is able to handle requirements for certifications anywhere in the world, including the Gulf, which is why our certification has been so sought after in this region,” he added.Ritz Carlton Bahrain general manager Bernard de Villèle said there has been greater interest in the country from Jewish and Israeli travelers since normalization with Israel, which led to their partnership with OU Kosher.Bahrain is home to about 50 Jews and a synagogue, which is mostly out of use and is being renovated.Jewish community leader Ebrahim Nonoo lauded the move to provide kosher food.“Not a day goes by where we don’t receive a request from Jewish groups and individuals about visiting Bahrain, and kosher food is one of their top questions,” he said.
