Plans to upgrade Khalifa Bin Salman Park in Hidd are progressing, with Muharraq Municipality confirming that new features may soon be added to attract more visitors, especially in summer.
Proposed attractions include an aquatic animal museum, watersports facilities and sea ferry services. Khalifa Bin Salman Park is one of Hidd’s key public spaces, overlooking the sea and long viewed as a potential hub for family recreation and tourism-linked activities. However, residents have been calling for improved facilities, more events and greater transparency regarding private investments at the site.
Muharraq Municipality director-general Khalid Al Qallaf said noted that the park has recently seen growing public interest, driven by improving weather conditions.
“As temperatures improve, we are seeing increased turnout at Khalifa Park in Hidd,” Mr Al Qallaf said.
“The aim is to make better use of the park’s coastal location and introduce activities that revitalise the area and encourage families and visitors to return.
“There are many ideas that we are exploring with the investor, who has proposed an aquatic animals museum, watersports facilities and varying sea ferries – both classic and modern.”
Mr Al Qallaf said the municipality was seeking ‘a larger experience’ for visitors that puts its strategic location as a seafront development into use.
“The place could even include a dancing water fountain or floating restaurants, amongst other facilities,” he said. “Of course, we understand that we cannot place undue pressure on the investor, but we can encourage the introduction of more appealing features.”
He stressed that the development vision focuses on enhancing the park’s appeal while ensuring it remains a public space that serves the community.
“This is about breathing new life into an important recreational facility and ensuring it contributes positively to the social and economic environment of the area,” he added.
Mr Al Qallaf said the municipality would co-operate with the council and provide all necessary clarifications regarding investment and activities at the park.
“There are seasonal activities, but we are looking for much more, and the newlook facility is a step towards getting more people to the place,” he said.
However, the park’s redevelopment has also come under the spotlight with the Muharraq Municipal Council launching a formal inquiry into the nature of activities and investment arrangements at the site.
The inquiry seeks details on the financial returns generated by the park, the classification of the investment, whether current operations comply with the original tender conditions, and the range of activities being conducted.
Councillors have also requested clarification on whether the investor is meeting rental obligations and have asked for a copy of the signed investment contract.
Council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Fadhel Al Oud alleged that the park was being used in ways that conflict with its intended purpose.
“The location is being used in a manner that does not match its original designation,” Mr Al Oud claimed. “There are serious questions about whether this investment aligns with the leasing terms and the law.”
He stressed that the inquiry was necessary to safeguard public assets and ensure transparency.
The council has also sought opinion from its technical, services and public utilities, and financial, administrative and legislative committees, as part of a broader review of the investment.
The outcome of the council’s inquiry is expected to determine whether any adjustments are needed to ensure the park’s redevelopment remains legally compliant.
Spanning an expansive site area of 79,000 square meters, with a development area of 67,000 square meters, the park offers a sprawling canvas for recreational and leisure activities.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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