· Development of 63 main streets and alleys, along with comprehensive infrastructure services upgrade

· Provision of more than 360 parking spaces to accommodate residents and visitors

· Standardization of commercial signage, lighting, and landscaping within the development areas

· Provision of a visitor center offering all information, outputs, and designs used in the project

Manama, August 31 /BNA/ – In implementation of the Royal Decree by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the esteemed King of Bahrain, to preserve the historical and cultural identity of Bahrain’s buildings and cities, revive Isa Al-Kabeer Palace, and develop Muharraq City while maintaining its historical and cultural identity, and following directives from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to activate the executive plan for preserving Bahrain’s historical and cultural identity and launch the Muharraq City development plan, Her Excellency Mrs. Amina bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, confirmed that land preparation works for properties expropriated during the previous phase in several neighborhoods included in phase one of Muharraq City development are progressing according to the project timeline.

Development of sites that have been prepared has begun in parallel with continuing preparation of the remaining properties, aiming to deliver phase one outputs by the scheduled date next year.

The Minister explained that project outputs during the past phase resulted in the preparation of general and detailed designs and plans for implementing phase one of the Muharraq City development project in cooperation with a leading specialized consulting firm. Based on these, 239 properties in designated development areas were expropriated, and actual site preparation works have commenced, along with tender awards and contract signings for construction and development works.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Planning added that the construction works underway include building and restoring 300 housing units according to standards and specifications previously approved in the project’s guiding manual issued by the Urban Planning and Development Authority. These focus on reviving Bahraini architectural features in the old areas of Muharraq City, while also meeting the aspirations of Bahraini families targeted for resettlement in those areas.

She also indicated that the current phase includes the development of 63 streets and alleys, along with a comprehensive upgrade of infrastructure services suitable for the capacity and operational needs of the developed areas. This phase also includes identifying locations for 360 parking spaces to accommodate residents and visitors, with locations and numbers determined by comprehensive engineering and traffic studies.

Additionally, phase one includes providing 47 open squares and green areas, standardizing lighting network codes, landscaping elements, and commercial signage to align with the unified identity of the project. The Minister also noted that 57 heritage-valued properties will be developed in coordination with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

The Minister pointed out that the current phase is witnessing rapid progress in demolition and construction works to keep the project on schedule, aiming to complete phase one packages in several batches starting from the first half of next year. She confirmed that the next phase will see a significant acceleration in completion rates, which will be announced accordingly.

As part of efforts to involve citizens in the implementation plan of the Muharraq development project, Minister Amina Al Rumaihi said the ministry has already started construction of the visitor center, which is part of phase one outputs. The center aims to inform visitors about the comprehensive plan for developing Muharraq City, showcase housing unit models to be provided through construction or restoration, and provide all project-related information alongside technical consultations according to the heritage urban development guide. She also mentioned that a ministry delegation visited the local councils of Muharraq Governorate during the previous phase to update them on project developments.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Planning praised the joint and integrated coordination among all entities tasked with implementing this project, which is considered one of the most prominent urban development projects in the region. She noted that the efforts of all these entities contributed to reaching this advanced stage after a series of preparatory procedures and phases in the upcoming stage, while also appreciating the support of members of the Council of Representatives and the Muharraq Municipal Council in assisting the government team to achieve the project’s goals.