Budaiya Harbour Restaurant Has Been Idle for Over 15 Years

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Mohammed Saad Al Dossari, a member of the Northern Municipal Council and representative of the Third Constituency, called for urgent action to revive the long abandoned restaurant building at Budaiya Harbour. He stressed that the facility has remained closed since its construction nearly 15 years ago.

Concern

Al Dossari said the continued neglect of the building was unjustifiable, particularly given its strategic location and distinctive setting. He noted that the restaurant has never opened its doors to the public, despite repeated interest from investors over the years. According to him, several investment offers were submitted, yet tenders failed to be awarded, preventing any meaningful progress.

Oversight

He also highlighted administrative complications surrounding the site, explaining that responsibility for the building transferred from the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture to the competent authorities at the Ministry of Environment. This shift, he said, further delayed decisions related to maintenance and investment.

Potential

Al Dossari underlined that the restaurant owns a rare panoramic sea view and directly overlooks the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the west, making it a unique tourism asset in Bahrain. He warned that prolonged neglect has already resulted in visible damage to paintwork, doors and tiling, though timely maintenance could still prevent more serious deterioration.

Impact

Reopening the restaurant, he added, would enhance tourism in Budaiya, activate the harbour area and contribute to national tourism revenues, aligning the site with successful waterfront developments seen across neighbouring countries.