The long-awaited Comprehensive Centre for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities in A’ali is on track to begin phased operations from the first quarter of this year, following extensive maintenance and a complete overhaul of its operational model.
Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi outlined the steps taken to prepare the sprawling complex for reopening after years of delay.
“The complex will provide an integrated system of rehabilitation services for people with disabilities of all categories,” Mr Al Alawi said. “It is designed to rehabilitate, empower and promote independence, while offering a suitable and inclusive environment that meets the highest standards.”
He revealed the details in response to a parliamentary question from Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman MP Mohammed Hussain Janahi.
The centre, located in A’ali, sits on 29,106 square metres of land with a total built-up area of 18,765 square metres and comprises 10 specialised buildings. It will operate through partnerships with government bodies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.
Originally intended to open earlier, the facility was repurposed as a Covid-19 quarantine centre during the pandemic, forcing a postponement of its launch. According to the minister, this required comprehensive maintenance work before any services could resume.
“The Works Ministry conducted a full technical assessment of the buildings and determined the scope and cost of the required maintenance,” Mr Al Alawi said. “Budgets were approved, tenders issued, and the works are now nearing completion.”
He explained that the overhaul included structural repairs, upgrades to electrical systems, fire suppression, elevators, air conditioning and ventilation, along with plumbing works, flooring replacement, and full interior and exterior repainting.
At the beginning of 2025, the ministry carried out a nationwide needs assessment for disability care and rehabilitation services, which shaped the new operational blueprint for the complex.
“A comprehensive plan was developed to ensure the buildings are operated in line with current needs and modern developments in disability services,” the minister said. “Each building has been assigned a specific role to ensure integration and diversity of services.”
Once operational, the complex will house a central diagnostic and assessment centre capable of serving 1,300 people annually, alongside residential care for people with severe intellectual disabilities, aftercare services for vocational rehabilitation graduates, a day club, a health and sports club, and specialised centres for autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities.
Capacity across the complex will range from 50 residential places for severe cases to 150 beneficiaries per month in day and aftercare programmes, and 100 monthly beneficiaries in the autism centre.
Mr Al Alawi stressed that staffing and management would rely heavily on partnerships.
“The operational plan is based on phased implementation and community partnerships with civil society and private entities,” he said. “This approach ensures the availability of qualified administrative and technical staff and guarantees service quality.”
He added that the reopening reflects Bahrain’s commitment to international conventions and treaties on disability rights, emphasising inclusion, rehabilitation and independence.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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