A long-abandoned restaurant building at Budaiya Fishermen’s Jetty is back in the spotlight after Northern Municipal Council members called for urgent action to transform the dusty facility into a vibrant seafront destination.
Area councillor Mohammed Al Dossary, representative of the Third Constituency, said the large structure, built around 16 years ago, has never opened its doors despite repeated investment interest and multiple tender attempts over the years.
Instead, the once-promising waterfront restaurant has remained locked, weather-worn and steadily deteriorating.
Mr Al Dossary called on the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) to urgently issue new bids for the facility.
“This building has been abandoned since its construction,” Mr Al Dossary said. “We have received many calls from investors interested in operating the restaurant, but the bids never seem to be awarded to them.”
He explained that the administrative responsibility for the facility was transferred from the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry to environmental authorities, slowing efforts to re-tender the site.
Mr Al Dossary proposed redeveloping the site as a full seafront attraction, not merely reopened as a café or restaurant. He envisions a comprehensive waterfront hub that includes a souvenir shop, sports equipment rentals, and recreational facilities, all under a single investor under one integrated concept.
“The whole place should be rented to one investor who can turn it into a destination, not just a dining outlet,” he added.
He also highlighted the jetty’s rare geographic appeal.
“The building enjoys a stunning sea view and, from the western side, overlooks Saudi Arabia. It is the only restaurant location in Bahrain with such a direct view,” he said.
He described it as ‘unreasonable’ that such a strategically located site has been neglected for so long, especially as neighbouring countries actively develop similar waterfront attractions.
Years of exposure have taken a visible toll on the structure. “There has been damage to paint, doors and tiles due to neglect, but it is still possible to prevent more serious deterioration through maintenance and rehabilitation,” he said.
He stressed that urgent restoration could still save the building and allow the jetty to be utilised in a way that mirrors successful waterfront developments across the region.
Addressing operational practicality, Mr Al Dossary noted that most traditional cafés and restaurants operate between 5am and 5pm, and in this case matches fishermen’s activity and visitor patterns.
However, he proposed additional flexibility.
“If the investor sees commercial potential, the facility could operate until midnight through a special access gate, turning the jetty into a lively evening spot as well,” he said.
The council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman councillor Dr Mohsin Abdulla backed the proposal, saying the site represents ‘an idle public asset that must be activated through proper legal and investment channels.”
He stressed that transparent tendering, clear jurisdiction, and co-ordinated oversight can fast-track rehabilitation, protect public funds, and turn the jetty into a sustainable tourism and community revenue generator.
The proposal has been formally referred to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to forward to Oil and Environment Minister Dr Mohammed Bin Daina for review.
Reopening the site, Mr Al Dossary believes, would significantly boost tourism in Budaiya while activating an underutilised public asset.
“Reopening the restaurant will attract more visitors to Budaiya, bring life back to the jetty and contribute to Bahrain’s tourism revenues,” he said.
“For now, the sea breeze continues to pass through an empty building that was meant to be a landmark. But with fresh calls for action, the tide may finally be turning for Budaiya’s forgotten waterfront gem.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))