Fresh efforts are being launched to tackle parking shortages and traffic congestion around Bahrain’s historic Old Muharraq Suq.
Authorities are pushing ahead with a major road redevelopment project aimed at improving access while preserving the city’s heritage charm.
Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar said the Works Ministry will soon begin redevelopment of Shaikh Hamad Avenue, stretching from Road 10 near the entrance of the traditional market to Shaikh Isa Avenue over nearly half a kilometre.
The project will focus on expanding pavements to create additional parking spaces, improving road intersections and entrances, upgrading landscaping, beautification works and enhancing building facades while maintaining Muharraq’s distinctive Bahraini architectural identity.
“Parking has become the single biggest challenge facing the Old Muharraq Suq and surrounding businesses,” said Mr Al Naar.
“While previous beautification works improved the area visually, they reduced parking capacity significantly and affected accessibility for traders, residents and visitors.”
To ease immediate pressure, the Muharraq Municipal Council has reached an agreement with Amakin to convert municipal plots into paid parking spaces while introducing valet parking services.
“Many visitors, especially from across the Gulf, are leaving because they simply cannot find parking close enough to the market,” Mr Al Naar said.
“We are moving on both short and long-term solutions because the Old Muharraq Suq is part of Bahrain’s heritage and must remain vibrant, accessible and welcoming for everyone.”
A multi-storey car park under construction at the old Muharraq Post Office site is also expected to bring major long-term relief.
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