Historic mosques and cemeteries – some dating back more than 500 years – are set to undergo large-scale restoration and development starting next month.
The multi-million dinar initiative, spearheaded by the Jaffari Waqf (Endowments) Directorate in co-ordination with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), will see iconic religious sites revitalised with modern facilities, while safeguarding their historical and cultural value, in a landmark move aimed at preserving Bahrain’s deep-rooted Islamic heritage.
Among the most notable sites included in the project are the Nabih Saleh Mosque, Shaikh Maitham Mosque in Umm Al Hassam, Shaikh Jassim Mosque in Ghuraifa, Al A’ali Mosque in the Old Manama Suq, and cemeteries such as Hoora Cemetery, the country’s largest, and Abu Anbara Cemetery in Bilad Al Qadeem.
“All arrangements have been made after extensive consultations with Baca, ministries and other government entities concerned,” confirmed Hassan Al Khatem, head of engineering services and maintenance at the Jaffari Waqf (Endowments) Directorate, during the term’s final meeting of the Capital Trustees Board held at the Capital Trustees Authority building in Manama.
He stressed that while certain structures will be demolished to make way for safer, modern alternatives, every effort will be made to preserve significant archaeological and religious elements.
“This is not simply a demolition and rebuild operation,” said Mr Al Khatem. “It is a delicate balance between restoration and modernisation.
“Wherever necessary, we have altered our designs to protect historical features, particularly in sites like Abu Anbara where recent Islamic archaeological discoveries have been unearthed.”
One of the crown jewels of this initiative is the planned transformation of the Nabih Saleh Mosque, a centuries-old religious site named after a Muslim monk known as Nabih Saleh or Wise Saleh, whose shrine dates back to 1784.
Planned renovation plans of the Nabi Saleh Mosque
“This project is about more than bricks and mortar – Nabih Saleh will be developed into a state-of-the-art religious destination,” Mr Al Khatem revealed.
“We envision a sprawling complex that includes an expansive prayer area, a shopping complex, visitors’ rooms, educational and recreational facilities and an enhanced graveyard.”
The Shaikh Jassim Mosque, located along the strategic Al Fateh Highway, will undergo structural changes due to road expansion plans.
Mr Al Khatem assured that the mosque would not be neglected in the process. “The Works Ministry will carry out a full revamp of the site as compensation for the area used in the road project,” he confirmed.
Similarly, Hoora Cemetery will receive a comprehensive upgrade.
These include:
- Construction of a secure new perimeter fence
- Installation of new embalming and washing facilities
- Creation of multi-purpose halls and additional prayer areas
- Reorganisation of existing graves for better accessibility and dignity
The discovery of Islamic relics at Abu Anbara Cemetery have prompted a shift in renovation strategy to preserve the finds, reinforcing the project’s dedication to cultural preservation.
Alongside restorations, new religious infrastructure is also in the pipeline, particularly in developing urban areas such as East Sitra Town.
According to Mr Al Khatem, out of 13 planned mosques and ma’tams (mourning halls) to be completed by 2030, three are scheduled for construction this year. “We are looking at both the past and the future,” he said. “While we honour our heritage, we are also addressing the needs of new communities and urban expansions. East Sitra is a good example of that forward-thinking.”
Board chairman Saleh Tarradah emphasised the cultural and spiritual importance of Nabih Saleh.
“It is a landmark not just for Bahrain, but for the Gulf,” said Mr Tarradah. “In the past, people would sail to the island to seek blessings. Even today, the mosque remains a hub for spiritual gatherings.
“This upgrade is long overdue and will re-establish the site’s status as a leading religious and cultural destination.”
Due to reclamation work over the years, access to the island has improved, making it even more feasible for the site to serve a wider public.
“This major revamp is one of the most ambitious efforts in Bahrain to combine infrastructure development with cultural heritage conservation,” said Mr Tarradah.
“By 2030, the country aims to complete not just restorations but also the construction of new religious facilities that reflect both Bahrain’s Islamic legacy and its modern aspirations,” he added.
“For now, with work set to begin next month, the Jaffari Waqf Directorate and its government partners are signalling a strong commitment to protecting the kingdom’s religious and cultural fabric for generations to come.”
Board vice-chairwoman Khulood Al Qattan praised the initiative, especially for key locations such as Nabih Saleh.
“The current list of sites has been long neglected, and the revamp of Nabih Saleh, in particular, is a welcome step,” said Ms Al Qattan. “The site is already popular among Bahrainis and visitors for its spiritual significance. With these upgrades, it will become a truly vibrant destination.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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