Residents of the historic Christian fishing village of Dair will have to wait longer for direct access to the sea, as authorities have announced that plans for a leisure marine platform along the village’s northern coast cannot move forward at this time.
The Urban Planning and Development Authority has informed the Muharraq Municipal Council that no suitable sites are currently available for the proposed platform along the northern shoreline of the Muharraq Ring Road, delivering a setback to residents of the historic coastal settlement who had hoped for a seaside access.
The decision came in response to a recommendation unanimously approved earlier by the council to construct a modest marine platform for seating, leisure and recreational fishing.
In an official response to the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, the authority’s chief executive, Ahmed Al Khayyat, said the request had been reviewed from a technical and planning perspective.
Mr Al Khayyat
“The Urban Planning and Development Authority has studied the request from a planning and technical standpoint,” he said.
“Based on the assessment, there are currently no suitable sites available for establishing a marine platform on the northern coast of the Ring Road in Dair.”
The proposal was spearheaded by Dair and Samaheej councillor Fadhel Al Oud, who chairs the council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee. He said the council’s recommendation was driven by the village’s historic relationship with the sea and the lack of organised waterfront spaces for residents.
Mr Al Oud
“Dair is a historic Christian fishing village with deep cultural and social ties to the sea,” he said.
“For generations, the coastline has been central to daily life, fishing traditions and community gatherings.”
He said the proposed platform was intended to provide residents with a safe and organised space for leisure and fishing.
Mr Al Oud noted that the suggested site on the northern side of the Ring Road overlooks the sea and was believed to be free from significant obstacles, making it a practical option for a simple public platform.
“The concept was deliberately modest,” he said. “It included a short pedestrian walkway of around 20 to 30 metres leading from the sidewalk to a platform at least four metres wide, with seating areas, shaded structures, safety railings, directional signage and solar-powered lighting.”
He said residents had hoped the project would reconnect the community with the waterfront and encourage social and recreational activities.
“Many locals fish as a hobby or simply want a safe place to sit by the sea,” he said. “This initiative was about restoring that connection with the coastline while ensuring safety and accessibility.”
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar acknowledged the authority’s response, but said the council remained committed to exploring future options.
Mr Al Naar
“While we respect the technical assessment provided by the Urban Planning and Development Authority, the council will continue to seek opportunities that enhance public access to the coastline,” he said.
Mr Al Naar added that the proposal had envisioned a simple structure built using durable materials such as reinforced concrete or treated wood, while maintaining harmony with the surrounding marine environment. Despite the setback, councillors say they will continue pursuing initiatives aimed at strengthening the link between Muharraq’s coastal villages and the sea – a relationship that has historically shaped the island’s culture, livelihood and identity.
For residents of Dair, however, the wait for a dedicated waterfront platform – and easier access to the sea – now continues.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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