A new parliamentary proposal aimed at transforming Bahrain into a regional hub for world-class themed entertainment has been submitted by a group of MPs.
It is by the Strategic Thinking Bloc led by its president and Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman MP Ahmed Al Salloom.
Rather than replicating concepts already seen in the Gulf, the proposal calls for attracting types of attractions that do not yet exist anywhere in the region, drawing lessons from how Florida built an economy around immersive, year-round experiences.
Among the models cited are the space exploration experience at Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex, the wildlife-themed adventure park concept of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and unique outdoor attractions such as Gatorland.
The proposal, which has been now forwarded by Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam to Mr Al Salloom’s committee for review, urges the government to target operators behind these types of concepts and create designated investment zones, fast-track licensing, and public-private partnership models to bring similar large-scale experiences to Bahrain.
Mr Al Salloom, who is also Bahrain Chamber treasurer and board member, said the idea goes beyond entertainment.
“These are not amusement parks in the traditional sense. These are educational, technological, wildlife and cinematic experiences that attract families, schools, tourists and researchers all year round,” he said.
“There is no space exploration centre in the Gulf that allows children to experience astronaut training simulations, rocket history and interactive science at this scale. Bahrain could be first.”
Mr Al Salloom, who is also the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society chairman, stressed that Florida’s success came from clustering attractions into integrated destinations where visitors spend several days, benefiting hotels, restaurants, transport and retail operators.
“We are looking at a new economic sector,” he said. “When a family plans travel around a destination, that destination becomes part of the national economy, not just tourism.”
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif, who has been provided with a copy of the proposal, said the Southern Governorate offers the land and planning flexibility needed for such mega concepts.
“These projects require space, access to highways and proper zoning away from residential areas. The Southern Governorate is ideally placed to host integrated entertainment cities combining parks, hotels, markets and public facilities,” he said. “This would completely change how people spend weekends in Bahrain.”
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar, who was also sent a copy, highlighted the knock-on effect for small businesses.
“A destination attraction does not only benefit the investor. It creates demand for cafes, transport, retail shops and services across the island,” he said.
“Muharraq’s heritage identity can also be integrated into themed cultural and historical experiences that complement these projects.”
The proposal recommends forming a national task force involving tourism and heritage authorities, municipalities, and the private sector to actively market Bahrain to global themed entertainment operators and study how Florida structured investment incentives for such projects.
The five MPs behind the proposal argue Bahrain’s compact geography is an advantage, allowing visitors to move between beaches, heritage sites, shopping districts and mega attractions within minutes – something larger destinations cannot offer.
“If adopted, the initiative could shift Bahrain’s tourism model from seasonal events to permanent, globally recognised destinations that make the kingdom a must-visit family tourism hub in the region,” they said in their proposal.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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