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Sixteen historic buildings have been restored in a major milestone of the ‘Muharraq City’ development initiative aimed at safeguarding history and building for the future.
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) believes the achievement helps preserve Bahrain’s cultural legacy and reinforces the area’s status as a living testimony to the island’s pearling era.
Muharraq, once the capital of Bahrain and now a symbol of the kingdom’s historical identity, is home to the Unesco World Heritage site ‘Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy’.
The city site spans 3.5kms and weaves together natural, architectural and urban elements – including traditional homes, cultural landmarks, and public spaces – offering a unique glimpse into Bahrain’s economic and societal history shaped by its former lucrative pearling trade.
“Baca’s continued commitment to safeguarding the city’s architectural treasures is central to a broader vision: blending creative innovation with the visual unity of heritage,” a statement read.
“The initiative ensures that contemporary developments remain harmoniously integrated with the historic urban fabric of Muharraq.
“In collaboration with official entities and local stakeholders, restoration efforts have breathed new life into key structures that reflect the city’s distinctive architectural style.
“Parallel to this, development continues across four major thoroughfares – Shaikh Abdullah Avenue and the extensions of Bu Maher and Tijjar Avenues – while the first phase of upgrades on Shaikh Hamad Avenue was completed in the first quarter of 2025.”
Beyond architectural conservation, Baca said it had helped position Muharraq as a ‘premier destination on the global cultural tourism map’. Central to this effort is the Muharraq Nights Festival, an annual highlight coinciding with Bahrain’s National Day celebrations and His Majesty The King’s Accession Day.
“Staged along the iconic Pearling Path, from the shores of Bu Maher to the Pearl Museum in Majlis Siyadi, the festival presents a one-of-a-kind experience that fuses heritage with contemporary expression,” it said.
“Visitors are treated to art installations, performances, heritage storytelling and culinary delights, all set against the backdrop of the city’s atmospheric alleyways and restored buildings.”
Baca pointed out that exhibitions hosted at key sites – such as the Bu Maher Fort Visitor Centre, Al Ghous House, Al Jalahma House, and the Pearling Path Visitor Centre – narrate the tales of divers, merchants and sea captains whose livelihoods once hinged on the elusive pearl.
“At the Pearl Museum, an exclusive exhibit brought together pearls from the Bahrain National Museum collection, items from private collectors, and archival treasures from Cartier, showcasing the global significance of Bahrain’s pearling heritage.
“Meanwhile, Amarat Fakhro has emerged as a new cultural-commercial destination, offering locally crafted jewellery and gold, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
“Complementing these offerings are cultural tours, hands-on workshops and educational initiatives aimed at deepening public engagement with the city’s storied past.”
Mr Al Naar
Speaking on the progress and cultural revival of Muharraq, Abdulaziz Al Naar, chairman of the Muharraq Municipal Council and area councillor, expressed his pride in the city’s transformation:
“The restoration of these heritage buildings is not just about preserving structures – it’s about preserving identity, memory and community spirit,” he added.
“Muharraq has always been a beacon of Bahraini heritage, and through the joint efforts of Baca and the community, we are ensuring that future generations can experience its legacy firsthand.
“These initiatives breathe new life into our city and pave the way for sustainable cultural tourism that benefits everyone.”
He added that as Muharraq steps confidently into the future while honouring its past, the city stands as a model of how heritage preservation, urban development and cultural innovation can work hand-in-hand to shape a thriving, inclusive and dynamic urban identity.
As part of a royal directive by His Majesty King Hamad to preserve Bahrain’s historical and cultural identity, the Housing and Urban Planning Ministry is also advancing housing projects in Muharraq, in conjunction with the restoration of Isa Al Kabeer Palace and the city’s overall redevelopment.
The first phase of this ambitious project includes the construction and renovation of around 300 housing units, with the total capacity reaching approximately 2,000 units in future.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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