A long-forgotten town along the route to King Fahad Causeway is now springing back to life, thanks to a comprehensive infrastructure development project worth BD6.5 million that officially began this month.
Saraya Bu Quwah, which was left in the shadows despite its promising start two decades ago, is seeing a wave of new interest from both residents and investors following announcements of vital upgrades to roads, sewage systems, rainwater drainage and public lighting.
The area had its moment in the spotlight in the early 2000s, when the private development, Argan Village, opened to much fanfare. However, in the years that followed, Saraya Bu Quwah gradually fell into neglect. Inadequate access routes and lack of infrastructure led to dwindling interest, leaving the town quiet and underdeveloped.
Now, according to Parliament’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice-chairman and area MP Hassan Ibrahim, that era of stagnation is finally over.
“This place was almost forgotten, but that’s all changing now,” said Mr Ibrahim.
“Even before work officially started this month, we saw a surge of interest – not just from investors looking to open cafés and restaurants, but from families eager to buy homes and settle here.”
He confirmed that the full infrastructure package will take approximately two years to complete, with a target completion date in August 2027.
“We’re looking at a complete transformation – roads, sewage, rain drainage, lighting, the full scope of work. And already, the place is coming alive. Branded cafés and restaurants have opened their doors, adding vibrancy and commercial life to the community,” Mr Ibrahim added.
Saraya Bu Quwah has been attracting top-tier food and beverages’ brands since last year. The early trickle of investment is credited to the anticipation surrounding the infrastructure overhaul, which is being treated as a signal of long-term viability and prosperity for the area.
Meanwhile, Northern Municipal Council financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman and area councillor Dr Mohsin Abdulla echoed this sentiment, stating that urbanisation was occurring at a faster pace than the actual infrastructure work itself.
“We’re seeing rapid development on the ground – faster than we even expected. I’m receiving a flood of calls from developers, businesses and families who want to invest, relocate or open operations in Saraya,” he said.
“Honestly, with this amount of interest, I’m starting to question my career choices. Maybe I should have been a real estate broker instead!”
He added that around 900 homes, covering the entire project scope, would benefit from the developments.
“The area’s population is currently estimated at 5,000 citizens,” he added.
Dr Abdulla confirmed that Argan’s residential area, despite being a private project, has been included in the development.
“The revival of Saraya Bu Quwah is being closely watched as a possible model for rejuvenating other neglected or semi-abandoned urban pockets across Bahrain,” said Dr Abdulla.
“With a combination of strategic infrastructure investment, government commitment and private sector confidence, the once-forgotten town is now being positioned as a vibrant residential and commercial hub along one of the kingdom’s busiest corridors, Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Highway, leading to Saudi Arabia.
“As construction equipment rolls in and businesses light up the streets, Saraya Bu Quwah’s long-awaited transformation is not just on paper, it’s happening in real-time.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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