Bahrain’s only natural lake could be protected and revitalised as a key eco-tourism destination under a new proposal unveiled by the Northern Municipal Council.
The council’s technical committee chairman and area councillor Jassim Hejres has put forward a plan to transform Al Luzi Lake, located in the heart of Dannat Al Luzi Housing Town, into a protected natural park and public leisure zone that blends environmental preservation with sustainable tourism.
Mr Hejres during the visit
Speaking to the Gulf Daily News during an exclusive site tour, Mr Hejres outlined a bold vision for the lake that includes ferries, water rides, floating cafés and restaurants, as well as souvenir outlets and public recreational facilities to attract both residents and tourists.
The lake is home to thousands of migratory birds as well as marine species and other forms of wildlife, despite lacking a connection to the sea. This has long raised concerns over water quality, especially after it was labelled a ‘health hazard’ due to the lack of fresh water inflow. However, lab tests conducted by the Health Ministry in May 2019 indicated that the lake’s condition was ‘better than first thought’.
“The foul smell from the confined bay is so annoying that it bothers residents, mainly at night or when there are winds,” Mr Hejres pointed out.
“The water is stagnant but fortunately it has not harmed life in the lake, it contains fish and other marine creatures.
“The water flow problem should be resolved through special filtration and circulation equipment, or any other cleansing mechanism. It’s long overdue.”
The push to preserve and enhance the lake follows years of public frustration with flooding and environmental issues.
In 2019, residents saw relief when a simple engineering solution was implemented – removing a separation barrier that had caused one half of the lake to overflow during heavy rains. Since then, the surrounding area has undergone significant development.
The Dannat Al Luzi Housing Town, inaugurated in February 2022, includes 303 homes, a commercial centre and a pedestrian promenade overlooking the lake. But Mr Hejres warned that infrastructure alone was not enough to save the lake.
“There are multiple housing and investment projects earmarked for the lake’s surroundings over the next decade, besides those already under construction or in the pipeline,” he said.
“The lake should be part of the area’s eco-friendly concept, and activity on it will ensure it becomes an integral part of people’s lives.”
Mr Hejres stressed that simply fencing off the lake would not generate the public interest and attachment needed to protect it long-term.
“No one cares about a fenced bay of water when they cannot really enjoy it,” he noted.
“We don’t want the bay to end up being reclaimed and just appear in history books – and this is where public attachment comes in handy.”
The proposal has sparked renewed interest among environmentalists and developers, particularly as the site, despite earlier opposition, has proven to be resilient.
Former MPs had once pushed for the lake to be filled in, dismissing it as a ‘swamp’ with no strategic value due to its isolation from Bahrain’s other bodies of water.
Mr Hejres’ plan not only rejects that idea, but repositions the lake as a model for urban-nature integration, aligned with the kingdom’s broader vision of sustainable development.
“We are suggesting the introduction of ferries and water rides for visitors, even floating restaurants and cafés, besides other attractions,” he said.
“All these suggestions have already been offered to potential bidders and operators. We want this place to thrive.
“The initiative will require co-operation between municipal authorities, private investors and environmental agencies, and could set a precedent for the future of natural preservation in urban settings across Bahrain.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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