The Blueprint Behind Muharraq's Revival
TDT | Manama
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Housing plan blends heritage preservation with new homes and greener spaces
A new house in old Muharraq cannot simply be built. Its doors, windows, materials and even its colours have already been decided, along with the trees planted outside and the signs displayed on nearby shops.
This work is guided by a document drawn up by the Urban Planning and Development Authority to protect the identity of Bahrain’s historic areas, particularly Muharraq, Eng. Eman Al Musaifer from the Urban Planning and Development Authority told The Daily Tribune in an exclusive interview at the Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition 2026.
Identity
“We prepared a guide to set the regulatory requirements for heritage and historic areas, particularly Muharraq, so that we preserve its identity,” she said.
“On the map, we identified the areas that will be developed and how they will be developed. We set out their features, the architectural elements used, the materials, even the colours, and how commercial signs are displayed.”
The requirements, she said, were agreed upon with the relevant authorities, foremost among them the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.
The result is that new development must follow the character of the old city.
Asked whether that meant new homes would be designed in the traditional Bahraini style, Al Musaifer said: “Exactly. There are specific requirements just for this area, set out in the guide.”
Streets
The rules extend beyond the buildings themselves.
Signs and advertisements are subject to specific requirements set in coordination with the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, while even the landscaping is controlled.
“Even the types of trees used in this area will be specified,” she said.
That forms part of a broader set of objectives for the development, which includes expanding green spaces across Muharraq and diversifying the types of trees planted, as well as upgrading vital streets, infrastructure and public facilities.
Homes
The guide is already being put into practice. Properties in the old city have been acquired or purchased, while the authority has prepared models showing how they could be developed while retaining Muharraq’s character.
“Eskan Bank is currently offering the existing houses that could be invested in, so that they reflect Bahraini identity and the identity of Muharraq, and we preserve their heritage value,” Al Musaifer said.
Preserving buildings of heritage value and completing the Pearling Path are among the development’s stated objectives, alongside providing housing units that meet the needs of Bahraini families.
The Social Housing Innovation Conference and Exhibition 2026 is being held as part of the fourth Gulf Housing Week, hosted by Bahrain during its GCC presidency, and runs until Saturday.
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