Heritage Meets Progress

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Roots of history, homes of tomorrow

Muharraq’s oldest neighbourhoods are being reshaped as bulldozers clear sites and scaffolding rises for a new wave of heritage-inspired housing. Work is under way on 300 units in the first phase of the Muharraq City Development Project, a drive to modernise the city while keeping its cultural identity intact.

The project was launched under the order of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to safeguard Bahrain’s architectural character. Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi said the redevelopment of expropriated land is advancing on schedule, with the first housing packages expected to be delivered in batches from early next year.

Streets and spaces

Alongside the new homes, 63 streets and walkways are being redesigned, with infrastructure upgrades to handle heavier demand. More than 360 parking spaces are being mapped out, while 47 open areas and green pockets will add breathing space to the dense urban fabric. Lighting, landscaping and shop signs are also being standardised to create a unified look across the city.

Heritage remains central to the scheme, with 57 historically significant properties set for development in coordination with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

Visitor centre

A new visitor centre is also under construction to showcase the project’s designs and models of the residential units. It will serve as an information hub and offer technical consultations in line with guidelines for heritage areas. Ministry teams plan to meet residents’ councils in Muharraq to update them on progress.

Accelerating pace

Al Rumaihi said demolition and construction are accelerating to meet the timetable, describing the scheme as one of the most ambitious urban renewal efforts in the region. She praised the backing of MPs, the Muharraq Municipal Council and government entities for pushing the project forward.

The first phase, she added, will be the start of a wider plan to revive the city’s heritage streets while providing homes that reflect the aspirations of Bahraini families.