A renewed call to upgrade infrastructure and essential facilities at Hamad Town’s historic Souq Waqif has been made by the Northern Municipal Council, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the market’s long-term appeal and functionality.
The council’s technical committee chairman and area councillor Jassim Hejres, who has been spearheading efforts to improve the market, said the suq deserves more than just cosmetic improvements.
He urged authorities to push forward with installing proper roads, a functioning sewage system plus public toilets, and called for a clear timeline for implementation.
Mr Hejres said positive talks have been held with the owners and exact details of proposed revamps in the area were awaited.
Mr Hejres told the GDN during a site tour that Souq Waqif had ‘immense potential’.
“Despite its current state, it continues to attract traders and shoppers – but without proper infrastructure, we risk losing its relevance,” he added.
Comparing Bahrain’s Souq Waqif to its more famous counterpart in Doha, Mr Hejres noted that while both markets share the same name, the differences are stark.
“The marketplace here is actually older than the one in Doha,” he said. “But in Qatar, it has evolved with shaded walkways, smart air conditioning and state-of-the-art facilities. Ours remains commercially vibrant, but visibly neglected. We need to invest in its future.”
The comments come as part of broader municipal efforts to enhance the suq, which has recently undergone a BD253,000 revamp that included road repairs, new drainage systems, lighting upgrades, signage and pedestrian access. While these improvements are welcome, Mr Hejres stressed they are only a starting point, not a final solution.
The popular market, located near Roundabout 1 in Hamad Town, is a key shopping destination known for its variety – from fruit and vegetables to textiles, antiques and live animals.
It also enjoys frequent visits from GCC nationals, particularly due to its proximity to the King Fahad Causeway.
“This market is not just for locals; it serves the entire Gulf region,” Mr Hejres added.
“To stay competitive and attractive, we must ensure it has the infrastructure to support its growth.”
The council’s services and public utilities committee chairman Abdulla Al Thawadi echoed the same sentiments, saying that while the current revamp partially addresses flooding and traffic bottlenecks, challenges like sewage connections and congestion remain and should be tackled in the next phase of development.
Mr Al Thawadi believes that timely action and sustained investment can secure Souq Waqif’s role as a historic and economic landmark for years to come.
“No market can thrive on reputation alone,” he said.
“We must make Souq Waqif not only a place of heritage but also one of comfort, accessibility and pride.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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