· Development of 63 main streets and pathways along with comprehensive infrastructure services upgrades.

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

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

· Establishment of a visitor center providing 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, may God protect and preserve him, to preserve the historical and cultural identity of Bahrain’s buildings and cities, revive Isa Al-Kabeer Palace, and develop Muharraq City to maintain its historical and cultural identity, and pursuant to the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to activate the executive plan for preserving the historical and cultural identity of Bahrain’s buildings and cities and launch the development plan for Muharraq City, Her Excellency Mrs. Amina bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning, confirmed that the land preparation works for properties acquired in previous phases in several neighborhoods included in the first phase of Muharraq City development are progressing according to the project’s scheduled timeline.

Development has begun on sites where land preparation has been completed, alongside continuing preparation for the remaining properties, with a commitment to deliver the outputs of the first phase by the scheduled date next year.

The Minister explained that the project’s outputs during the past phase included the preparation of general and detailed designs and plans for implementing the first phase of Muharraq City development in cooperation with a major specialized consulting firm. Based on these, 239 properties were acquired in the designated development areas to commence actual site preparation works, as well as awarding contracts and signing agreements for construction and development works.

The construction works underway include building and restoring 300 housing units according to the standards and specifications previously approved in the project’s guiding manual issued by the Urban Planning and Development Authority, focusing on reviving Bahraini architectural features in the old areas of Muharraq City, aligned with the aspirations of Bahraini families targeted for resettlement in these areas.

Phase one also includes the development of 63 streets and pathways, with comprehensive infrastructure upgrades suitable for the operational capacity of the developed areas. Additionally, 360 parking spaces have been allocated to accommodate residents and visitors, with locations and numbers determined through integrated engineering and traffic studies.

The phase further provides 47 open squares and green areas, unifying lighting network codes, landscaping elements, and commercial signage to align with the project’s unified identity. Moreover, 57 heritage-valued properties will be developed in coordination with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

The Minister noted rapid progress in demolition and construction works to adhere to the project’s timeline, aiming to complete the first phase packages in several batches starting from the first half of next year, confirming that the next phase will witness accelerated completion rates to be announced accordingly.

As part of efforts to involve citizens in the project’s implementation plan, Minister Amina Al Rumaihi stated that construction of the visitor center, part of the first phase outputs, has already begun. The center aims to inform visitors about the comprehensive development plan for Muharraq City, showcase housing unit models to be provided through construction or restoration, and offer all project-related information along with technical consultations according to the heritage areas’ development guide.

The Ministry delegation also visited the community councils of Muharraq Governorate during the previous phase to update them on project developments.

The Minister praised the joint and integrated coordination among all entities tasked with executing this project, one of the region’s most prominent urban development projects, highlighting the contributions of the House of Representatives and Muharraq Municipal Council members in supporting the government team to achieve the project’s goals.