Muharraq Plans Aim to Preserve Souq and Improve Roads

The Muharraq Municipal Council will hold discussions next Monday on several key proposals aimed at improving the historic Muharraq Souq, local road networks, and a new marine station in Dair.

At the heart of the council’s agenda is a recommendation to strengthen Muharraq Souq, a space that residents see as more than just a marketplace. Generations of shopkeepers continue family traditions, and customers still greet familiar faces behind wooden counters, making the souq a living archive of the community’s heritage. The proposal emphasizes infrastructure upgrades, service improvements, and regulatory support to sustain traders and enhance the market environment. Revitalising the souq is viewed not only as maintenance but also as preserving livelihoods, heritage, and a sense of belonging for future generations.

Road access and traffic safety will also take centre stage. The council will review proposals to add new exits for parking areas, resurface internal streets, adjust road angles near residential properties, and open additional access points in several neighborhoods. These changes may seem administrative, but for residents in Arad, Samaheej, and Al Hidd, they directly affect daily life—helping parents safely guide children, easing movement for the elderly, and improving routes for commuters. Updates on internal roads in the second constituency and access linked to a petrol station will also be discussed, highlighting the council’s focus on everyday mobility.

In Dair, the council will debate a proposal to establish a marine station along the northern coastal road. The plan carries practical and cultural significance. Dair’s identity has long been tied to the sea, from fishing boats at dawn to evening family strolls along the shoreline. A structured facility could improve organisation, safety, and maritime activity while respecting tradition. Council members are expected to consider coordination with planning authorities and integration within the broader urban framework, aiming to balance development with the neighborhood’s heritage.

Next Monday’s meeting promises to blend planning, community needs, and cultural preservation, reflecting Muharraq’s efforts to modernize infrastructure while maintaining its historic and social character.