An historic island in Tubli Bay – renowned for its old shrine of a Muslim monk known as Nabih Saleh or ‘Wise Saleh’ dating back to 1784 – could undergo development over the next decade.
In bygone days, worshippers used to visit the shrine by boat for blessings but now, following reclamation work, the journey to the island is much shorter.
However, the area has suffered from decades of neglect, lacking modern infrastructure, commercial facilities and public amenities.
The GDN earlier reported that a blanket ban on development in Nabih Saleh will be gradually lifted offering a glimmer of hope after more than three decades of frustration for landowners wishing to build on their plots.
The island is now poised for long-awaited development as part of a comprehensive urban plan, with renewed emphasis on protecting its heritage while addressing critical infrastructure and service needs.
A delegation from the Capital Trustees Board conducted a field visit to the island yesterday to engage directly with local residents, community leaders and representatives of the Nabih Saleh Charity Society.
The visit marks a significant step towards shaping the island’s future after decades of stalled development due to planning restrictions and zoning complications.
“Nabih Saleh is not just a residential area, it’s an historic island with deep cultural and religious roots,” said the board’s services and public utilities chairwoman Huda Sultan, who headed the delegation.
“This makes our responsibility even greater. Development here must be thoughtful, preserving its unique identity while addressing the real needs of the residents.”
Ms Sultan stressed that the newly proposed urban plan by the Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA) reflects a balance between modern development and heritage preservation.
“The proposed plan respects the cultural significance of the island while preparing it for the future,” she explained.
One of the key priorities discussed during the visit was the preservation of Ain Al Safahiya, an historic freshwater spring symbolic of the island’s cultural identity.
“We have already begun co-ordination with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) to safeguard Ain Al Safahiya as a key landmark,” she confirmed.
“Additionally, archaeological surveys have uncovered traces of historical structures in parts of the island, further highlighting its importance as a protected heritage site.
“All while respecting its history, Nabih Saleh is in urgent need of modern facilities.
“The island currently lacks basic infrastructure; there are no public parks, no proper commercial streets and limited educational facilities,” said Ms Sultan.
“The new plan includes designated areas for schools, parks, and even a dedicated fishermen’s wharf, as we work to restore community life to the island.”
She said there is a need for well-planned streets and public services.
“The board is closely co-ordinating with ministries, mainly the Works Ministry, to resolve outstanding issues related to unpaved roads and weak infrastructure, which have caused damage to newly built homes.”
Beyond physical infrastructure, the visit highlighted the importance of providing spaces that reflect the island’s communal and cultural character, said Ms Sultan.
She pointed to the inclusion of commercial streets in the urban plan, enabling local shops and services that will serve residents without compromising the island’s tranquil identity.
“Educational needs are also a priority, with the new plan allocating lands for two additional schools to meet the growing population’s demands, pending final decisions from the Education Ministry.”
Ms Sultan said Nabih Saleh’s development marks the lifting of a long-standing de facto development freeze, with many of its plots previously locked in legal and zoning disputes.
“This is a turning point for Nabih Saleh,” said Ms Sultan.
“We are determined that its development will honour both its history and its people’s aspirations.”
Ms Sultan reaffirmed the board will continue to work with relevant ministries and agencies to turn the island’s development vision into reality.
“Nabih Saleh deserves to be a thriving, vibrant community where its residents enjoy modern services while proudly preserving their historic island’s legacy,” she said.
mohammed@gdnmedia.com
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