A proposal to expropriate the Halat Bu Maher coast, located along Khalifa Al Kabeer Highway, for public use has been presented.
In a significant move to preserve public access to Muharraq’s dwindling coastline, the Muharraq Municipal Council has unanimously approved the move spearheaded by council chairman and area representative Abdulaziz Al Naar.
The proposal is being hailed as a milestone in community-driven urban planning.
“This is not just about land,” said Mr Al Naar.
“It’s about preserving the spirit of Muharraq – a city rooted in maritime heritage and closely linked to its shores.”
The Halat Bu Maher coastline, which overlooks the western side of the waterfront, is currently the only remaining public outlet to the sea in the central area of Muharraq.
The council’s decision comes amid mounting concern over shrinking public access to the coast, driven by commercial development, real estate expansion and infrastructure projects.
“The people of Muharraq have always had a relationship with the sea, from fishing and pearl diving to simple family outings by the water,” Al Naar explained.
“This stretch of coast is all we have left. Preserving it is no longer optional; it’s an obligation.”
The expropriation request is being pursued under the provisions of the 2001 Municipalities Law, particularly in line with Article 19, which outlines the competencies of municipal councils in safeguarding public interest and overseeing land use.
In his formal submission, Mr Al Naar stressed that the coastline in question plays a vital role in the social and environmental well-being of the community.
He described the coast as a “public right” and “a lifeline for the residents” of Halat Bu Maher and the broader Muharraq Governorate.
“Urban development must serve the people, not displace them,” he noted.
“We are not against growth, we are for balance. This decision ensures that future generations of Muharraq residents can still enjoy what their ancestors cherished.”
The council’s approval of the proposal now paves the way for the relevant government authorities to begin formal procedures for expropriation, which may include land valuation, acquisition negotiations and eventual transformation of the space into a public waterfront facility.
Mr Al Naar said plans for the area include walkways, green spaces, seating areas and public access ramps, all designed with environmental sustainability in mind.
“This isn’t just about blocking private development,” he clarified. “It’s about transforming this coast into a living space where families can gather, children can play and Muharraq’s cultural identity can breathe.”
Following the council’s endorsement, the proposal will now be referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak, and other relevant authorities, for technical evaluation and approval.
Mr Al Naar urged the government to support the move, noting its alignment with Bahrain’s broader sustainability and heritage preservation goals under Vision 2030.
“We are optimistic,” he said.
“Our leaders have always shown sensitivity to the needs of the people and this initiative is a direct response to those needs.”
Urban planning experts and community advocates have lauded the council’s decision as a model for other coastal towns and cities facing similar challenges. With rising land prices and growing pressure from private development, municipalities across Bahrain are increasingly called upon to assert public interest in land use decisions.
As the expropriation process moves forward, residents of Halat Bu Maher – and Muharraq as a whole – may finally see their call for a protected, public, and people-focused coastline answered.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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