Efforts are underway to tackle severe parking and traffic challenges at the Old Muharraq Suq, believed to be the oldest market in the region, following mounting concerns from traders, visitors and municipal officials.
The Muharraq Municipal Council, led by its chairman and area councillor Abdulaziz Al Naar, announced yesterday that a landmark deal had been reached with Amakin – Bahrain’s national car parking operator – to convert municipal plots into payable car parks.
The move comes in response to complaints that a recent infrastructure development project, which widened pavements and introduced cement cones and decorative roadside plant gardens, has drastically reduced the number of available parking spaces in the historic marketplace.
“Parking has become the single biggest problem in the Old Muharraq Suq,” Mr Al Naar told the GDN.
“The recent beautification works have undoubtedly improved the look and feel of the area, but they have also reduced accessibility. People simply don’t have places to park their cars anymore, and this is hurting businesses.”
Currently, only a limited number of payable parking slots – linked to BenefitPay – exist in and around the marketplace.
However, Mr Al Naar stressed that they are not enough to cater to the thousands of residents and visitors who frequent the area, especially during weekends and evenings.
“Many of the visitors to the suq come from the Gulf – especially from Saudi Arabia and other neighbouring countries,” he said.
“Unfortunately, because the closest car parks are already full, and the rest are too far away, many end up turning back and leaving altogether. Even though parking costs just 200 fils per hour, the lack of space is deterring people from enjoying what Muharraq has to offer.”
To provide an immediate solution, the council and Amakin have agreed to introduce valet parking services in the suq.
“This will help ease congestion and give families, traders, and tourists much-needed peace of mind,” said Mr Al Naar.
“We want to make the suq accessible again, not only for locals but also for visitors from across the region.”
In parallel, Amakin is developing a major long-term solution – a multi-storey car park on the site of the old Muharraq Post Office, located adjacent to the marketplace.
The project, which is currently under construction, is expected to add hundreds of new parking spaces and ease traffic flow once complete.
“The new multi-storey car park will be a game-changer for the suq,” said Mr Al Naar.
“It will relieve pressure on the narrow roads and make the area more inviting for businesses, residents and visitors alike.”
However, until permanent solutions are in place, traders continue to feel the economic pinch. Many have already adapted by relying heavily on online sales.
“Traders are telling us that walk-in customers have dropped significantly,” Mr Al Naar explained.
“Many are now depending on WhatsApp orders and delivery companies to sustain their businesses. While digital sales have offered some relief, the essence of a traditional suq is personal shopping, browsing and human interaction. That’s what makes it unique and that’s what we need to protect.”
The Muharraq Municipal Council is also pushing for co-ordinated efforts between municipal authorities, the Works Ministry, and Amakin to balance urban development with practical access to heritage sites.
“We are proud of the Old Muharraq Suq and its historic value to Bahrain, but we need to ensure it is not strangled by poor planning,” Mr Al Naar said.
“We are working closely with all of those concerned including the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) and the Works Ministry to find solutions that respect both modern urban planning and the traditional needs of the marketplace.”
Mr Al Naar reiterated the council’s commitment to listening to both traders and residents.
“The council is not here to watch businesses suffer,” he declared.
“We will continue to push for practical solutions – whether through short-term measures like valet parking or long-term infrastructure like multi-storey car parks. The Old Muharraq Suq must remain a vibrant destination for everyone.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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