A major urban regeneration drive is gathering pace in Muharraq as one of the kingdom’s flagship heritage and housing projects edges closer to completion. Housing and Urban Planning Minister Amna Al Romaihi said the landmark Muharraq Historic City Development Project is set to be delivered by the end of this year.
Ninety-two per cent of new model housing units have been completed, restoration works have surpassed 60pc and the Muharraq Visitors’ Centre has reached 82pc completion, she added.
Ms Al Romaihi revealed the latest figures in response to a parliamentary question by MP Hamad Al Doy.
“The first phase will be completed by the end of 2026 with full government funding and will directly benefit 300 Bahraini families,” she said.
The project includes restoration of 16 heritage buildings along the Pearling Path and their adaptive reuse for tourism and cultural activities, construction of 300 housing units in phase one and plans to expand to nearly 2,000 units in phase two through private-sector partnerships.
Development works also feature 48 kilometres of pedestrian corridors to enhance sustainable mobility, 72 green spaces covering 12,000sqm, planting of around 100,000 trees and the upgrading of five key streets through infrastructure, façade and urban furniture improvements.
Approximately 250 properties have been acquired for the project in stages in line with legal procedures.
“We are preserving Muharraq’s historic and cultural identity while improving quality of life,” Ms Al Romaihi said. “This project balances heritage conservation with modern urban development and aims to encourage families to return to the city.”
Implementation was divided into three construction packages, with the first expected to be handed over in the first half of 2026 and full completion scheduled by year-end.
The minister outlined detailed phases including preparation of a heritage-specific urban design manual, a comprehensive social survey of residents, neighbourhood planning studies, property classification, acquisition and compensation, appointment of local consultants and contractors experienced in heritage areas, phased demolition using specialised techniques and structured restoration with temporary housing provided for affected families.
A dedicated website has also been launched to provide updates, property status inquiries and direct communication channels.
Beyond the historic core, housing projects across Muharraq Governorate are also advancing rapidly, the minister noted.
At East Hidd Housing Town (North), 740 ownership apartments have reached about 90pc completion; 507 residential units are 60pc complete while 49 residential plots are ready to be handed over. The project is estimated to cost BD45.5 million.
In Busaiteen, an alternative housing options project, including ownership apartments, is due for completion in the fourth quarter of this year at a cost of BD2.9m.
Among the project planned for the future are 128 units at Hidd, 376 ownership apartments in Muharraq (Block 207), 522 ownership apartments in Busaiteen (Block 221).
A total of 700 additional residential units are under technical study.
“Our approach combines state-funded projects with expanded private-sector partnerships under the Government Land Development Rights Programme,” Ms Al Romaihi said. “This enables faster delivery while ensuring long-term sustainability.”
Responding to MPs, the minister stressed that housing distribution follows Resolution No. 909 of 2015, with seniority of application as the primary criterion.
“Seniority is the cornerstone of fairness,” she said. “Other considerations such as place of residence or humanitarian cases may be taken into account, but the application date remains decisive.”
In reply to MP Mohammed Al Olaiwi, the minister disclosed that 746 ownership apartment applications remain pending in Muharraq’s Constituency Three, alongside 48 housing unit requests and 17 plot applications.
Among pre-2004 applications, 61 residents opted for the BD40,000 housing voucher and financing alternative. Fifteen have already benefited, with remaining allocations underway.
For post-2005 applicants, the ministry is relying on diversified financing programmes such as Tasheel+ and Tumooh, the latter allowing an additional BD20,000 in subsidised financing after 10 years.
“These initiatives have enabled thousands of families to secure housing within a short timeframe,” she said.
Responding to MP Eman Shuwaiter on East Sitra Housing Town, Ms Al Romaihi confirmed that 1,077 units were handed over in early 2024 as part of Phase One. A total of 531 units are currently being delivered as part of Phase Two.
Phase Three involves the construction of 1,269 units, with allocation expected later this year.
A total of 563 serviced plots have also ben allocated after infrastructure completion.
The minister added that a Sanad land project will provide 251 plots, expected to be delivered in 2026.
The minister will appear on Tuesday’s session to further clarify any queries the four MPs may have.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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