An ancient natural spring in Sitra Island, long regarded as one of Bahrain’s forgotten treasures, is set to be revived as a family leisure, cultural and heritage destination.
The Capital Trustees Board unanimously approved a proposal to rehabilitate and redevelop Ain Al Raha during its board meeting yesterday.
The proposal, submitted by the board’s services and public utilities committee chairman and area resident Mohammed Tawfiq Al Abbas, has now been referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak for review.
Ayn Al Raha is believed to date back thousands of years to the Dilmun civilisation and is regarded by historians as being of equal importance to Ain Adhari and Ain Um Al Shaoom. While those two springs were transformed into well-known recreational facilities, Ayn Al Raha gradually fell into neglect and dried up on the surface, despite water still existing underground.
Capital Trustees Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the approval marks a turning point for a site that had been overlooked for decades.
“Ayn Al Raha represents an irreplaceable part of Bahrain’s natural and cultural heritage,” Mr Tarradah said. “The board’s unanimous decision reflects our commitment to protecting historic sites and transforming them into vibrant public spaces that serve families and future generations.”
He noted that the land had previously been earmarked for a public park in 2005, with a government budget allocated and a foundation stone laid, but the project collapsed after the stone was stolen and work was abandoned.
Under the newly approved proposal, the spring will be restored as the centrepiece of a heritage park that combines conservation with recreation.
Plans include cleaning and rehabilitating the spring basin, reinforcing its walls using materials that preserve its archaeological character, and studying the possibility of restoring natural water flow or creating an environmentally friendly alternative that reflects its original form.
The surrounding area will be landscaped to resemble its historic environment, with palm trees, shaded walkways, seating areas and heritage-style paving. Subtle lighting, protective boundaries and surveillance systems will be installed to safeguard the site without compromising its visual character.
Mr Al Abbas said the project balances heritage preservation with community development.
“This is not just about restoring a spring, but about reviving the historical identity of Sitra,” Mr Al Abbas said. “The project will create green spaces, educational opportunities and small-scale economic activities, while protecting a landmark that is deeply rooted in Bahrain’s history.”
An information centre is also planned to showcase the history of Ayn Al Raha and Sitra’s ancient springs through documents, photographs and educational material.
Supporting facilities will include parking, public restrooms and small heritage kiosks offering traditional crafts and local products, helping stimulate the local economy.
The board agreed that implementation options would be assessed by the relevant authorities, including whether the project should be government-funded or offered to private investors under a partnership model.
“Once restored, Ayn Al Raha is expected to become a much-needed family leisure space, a cultural attraction and a living reminder of Bahrain’s ancient relationship with water – transforming a neglected site into a landmark that reconnects the present with the kingdom’s distant past,” believes Mr Al Abbas.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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