Bahrain is a country that has moved swiftly with the changing times. We caught up with ‘Things-To-Do’ founder, June Al-Saffar, to get her take on the success of her business over the years.

For those of us who have lived here for most of our lives, we have seen what was once lush green farms, spring wells and arid scrub desert transformed into an economic hubbub of shopping malls, financial buildings, and schools. It is a country rich with businesses, some old and many new. Among the old, particular names standout as integral contributors to the scene. As I am sure most of us will agree, ‘Things-To-Do’, the arts and crafts / equestrian equipment store, is one such recognisable name.

June Al-Saffar arrived on the scene in 1966, having been working at DH Evans in London. Although not a creative artist herself, June had always been interested in arts and crafts, both historical and modern.

‘Things-To-Do’ was created in 1975, in a tiny garage in Fareeq Al Kanoo, not far from the souq in Manama.

It began as a very small but wide selection of craft materials, before expanding and moving to a bigger shop in Hoora.

The equestrian side of ‘Things-To-Do’ began as a small supplier of tack items at Shakoora Riding Centre, before business took off here too and was moved to the businesses’ most prominent premises on Budaiya Highway in 1990.

June faced the first challenge of any business in seeing ‘Things-To-Do’ through its critical infant stages. Most commendably, she achieved this as a woman in what was then a male-dominated field.

She then successfully saw her business through economic slumps in the local market, which affected many in the 1970s and 80s, and survived through to the present day. June enjoys the fact that because of her accomplishment over the years, many people have now grown up with Things-To-Do.

Her contribution to the arts scene has included an annual Art Competition aimed at discovering and showcasing local amateur talent. Meanwhile, much of June’s energies have been devoted to front-lining the equestrian scene.

Twenty-five years ago, her efforts involved helping to organise the show season each year and grouping together with other members of the equestrian community to lay down rules and regulations for the season.

Over the years the equestrian scene, which is unique to Bahrain as it really operates from a grass roots level, gave birth to the Bahrain Horse Society (BHS). The society was formed in December 2009. The aim of BHS is to bring cohesiveness to riders and horse lovers in Bahrain and to preserve and promote this important part of Bahrain’s cultural heritage.

“By bringing everyone together, horse-lovers are given the opportunity to interact and form a platform of common interest”, June says. The BHS will also enhance aspects of horse care and environment through demonstrations, seminars and workshops. This will provide the conditions to encourage the wider community to become involved with horses.