Charming wooden kiosk huts selling homemade food, handicrafts and traditional products could soon line the scenic promenade beside Arad Fort, under a proposal aimed at supporting productive families and transforming the waterfront into a lively community attraction.
The initiative, unanimously backed by the Muharraq Municipal Council, is gathering pace after Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry Municipal Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa confirmed that the proposal is under serious study.
Shaikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
Shaikh Mohammed said the concept was ‘promising’ but stressed that any development near the historic seafront must be handled with care.
“The proposal has positive social and tourism dimensions and the ministry views it as an idea worthy of serious consideration,” he said.
“However, the location overlooking Arad Fort carries historical and visual significance, which means every detail must be carefully studied – from the appearance of the huts and pedestrian movement to visitor appeal and the overall harmony of the waterfront.”
He added that authorities want any future project to enhance the promenade without compromising its heritage atmosphere.
“Our objective is to create facilities that serve families and visitors while preserving the character and beauty of the area,” said Shaikh Mohammed.
The proposal was originally submitted by Arad councillor Ahmed Al Meghawi, who believes the picturesque coastal stretch has untapped potential to support home-based entrepreneurs and attract more visitors.
Ahmed Al Meghawi
“We are looking at a human-centred project that gives productive families an opportunity to present their products in an organised and attractive environment,” he said.
“Many Bahraini families produce exceptional homemade food, crafts and heritage items, but they often lack proper public spaces to showcase their work. These huts could become small windows into Bahraini creativity and culture.”
Mr Al Meghawi stressed that the proposal was not intended to aggressively commercialise the promenade, but rather to introduce carefully designed additions that complement the surroundings.
“We do not want random structures or visual clutter,” he said.
“The idea is to create elegant huts with unified designs that reflect the heritage identity of Muharraq and blend naturally with the seafront and fort.”
Muharraq Governor Salman Bin Hindi has also expressed backing for the project in an official letter.
Councillors believe the huts could create a festive family atmosphere during weekends, national celebrations and the cooler winter months, turning the walkway into a vibrant destination for residents and tourists alike.
The promenade near Arad Fort is already a popular spot for walkers, joggers and families enjoying sea views and Bahrain’s historic architecture. However, municipal officials believe the addition of carefully planned kiosks could encourage visitors to spend more time in the area and support local micro-businesses.
Built in the late 15th century, Arad Fort is one of Bahrain’s best-preserved Islamic fortresses and remains a major heritage landmark overlooking the sea.
If approved following feasibility studies and technical assessments, the waterfront huts could soon offer visitors a unique blend of heritage, leisure and local enterprise in one of Muharraq’s most iconic settings.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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