A mysterious island steeped in history, folklore and archaeological significance could soon become one of Bahrain’s most unique tourist attractions, with plans to transform its surroundings into a vibrant destination featuring cafés, restaurants and heritage-themed businesses.
The Muharraq Municipal Council has backed a proposal to encourage investment around Al Sayah Island, creating a tourism hub while preserving the site’s rich historical identity.
The initiative is being championed by the council’s technical committee chairman and area councillor Mohammed Al Mahmood, who says the island deserves to be showcased as one of Bahrain’s hidden treasures.
“The first phase of excavations to clearly identify the features of this historic island has been completed,” Mr Al Mahmood told councillors.
“We have managed to save it from reclamation and urban development plans and our goal now is to present it in the best possible way as a witness to Bahrain’s history. It has enormous archaeological, cultural and tourism value and deserves to be experienced by future generations.”
The proposal has received a major boost after Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca) president Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa confirmed that preserving and promoting Al Sayah Island aligns with the authority’s long-term plans.
The island was officially designated a national heritage site recently.
Located west of Busaiteen, the small island contains a natural spring, a six-metre-wide circular opening at its centre and the remains of what is believed to be an ancient fortification or defensive tower.
But Al Sayah’s appeal extends beyond archaeology.
For generations, it has been surrounded by folklore. Stories tell of Prophet Mohammed passing through the area, while local legend speaks of a hungry genie known as Bu Gedo, who supposedly demanded food offerings from people visiting the island. Scientific studies later attributed the mysterious sounds linked to the legend to natural air releases caused by changing tides.
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar said development must strike a careful balance between tourism and conservation.
“We are open to transforming the area into a tourism destination provided its heritage and historical identity are protected,” he said.
“Wooden shacks and kiosks could be developed to serve as small museums, cafés, restaurants and outlets selling souvenirs, memorabilia and traditional products. Visitors should be able to enjoy the site while learning about its history.”
Mr Al Naar added that one of the island’s most distinctive features – its natural spring – could become a centrepiece attraction.
“The spring should be preserved and highlighted, potentially becoming a fountain-like feature that enhances the visitor experience while maintaining the island’s authenticity.”
The island itself has survived a dramatic chapter in recent years. It was once under threat from reclamation linked to the BD94 million North Muharraq Highway project, but the route was later redesigned, sparing the site.
Archaeological investigations by Bahraini and British experts have also transformed understanding of the island. Researchers now believe Al Sayah may have been an engineered freshwater depot constructed more than 1,200 years ago. Discoveries of ancient walls, a brick-lined cistern and large quantities of pearl oyster shells and early Islamic pottery suggest that it may have played an important role in supplying freshwater and supporting Bahrain’s historic pearl trade.
If plans move forward, Al Sayah could soon offer visitors a rare opportunity to enjoy Bahrain’s past while overlooking its future.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))