A major revamp of the historic Manama Suq is currently underway, with the redevelopment of the covered arcade and the Bab Al Bahrain complex scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of this year.
The government has confirmed that it is moving forward with a comprehensive plan to modernise the suq while preserving its architectural and cultural identity.
The initiative follows the directives of His Majesty King Hamad to safeguard Bahrain’s heritage buildings, as well as the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to launch an integrated redevelopment plan for the historic Manama area.
Tourism Minister Fatima Al Sairafi outlined the features, phases and timelines of the project, describing it as a ‘balanced model that combines modern infrastructure needs with the preservation of Manama’s unique heritage character’.
She revealed that a joint committee comprising several authorities, including the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and the Urban Planning and Development Authority, has been formed to oversee the preparation and execution of the plan, with the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), which she is politically responsible for, playing a central role.
Mr Al Salloom
She revealed the details while responding in writing to a question by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman MP Ahmed Al Salloom.
“The development plan includes preparing a special urban guide for heritage areas, implementing cultural and tourism projects, creating new attractions and upgrading essential infrastructure using a unified design language that reflects the spirit of the suq,” the minister said.
Work has already begun – in April last year, BTEA issued a tender for the development of the suq’s main entrance at Al Musaqqaf, the walkway leading to the Kanoo Museum, and the commercial complex at Bab Al Bahrain. The contractor was appointed in July, all approvals have been secured, and work is now progressing on site.
“These locations form the first visual and experiential impression for visitors – whether citizens, residents or tourists, which is why they were prioritised,” Ms Al Sairafi explained.
She confirmed that the first phase of works related to sites under the Authority carries a budget of approximately BD680,000.
Ms Al Sairafi stressed that all phases are being implemented through the joint committee framework to ensure alignment with the approved Manama heritage development guidelines.
Meetings have also been held with merchants and shop owners in the suq to brief them on the plan and hear their feedback.
“We are keen to ensure that traders are partners in this development, not affected by it,” she said.
The ministry aims to complete the development of the covered arcade and Bab Al Bahrain complex by the fourth quarter of 2026, while timelines for other sites will be announced after administrative and financial procedures are finalised.
“The goal is clear,” the minister added.
“To ensure that Manama Suq remains a living symbol of Bahrain’s history and culture, while being fully equipped to meet the expectations of today’s visitors.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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