Bahrain’s most iconic sporting venue has moved a step closer to a new era after bids were opened for the long-term private investment of the Bahrain National Stadium, with a prominent financial company in the kingdom emerging as the sole bidder.
The bid was opened under Tender No 1/2026/GSA (IN/COM/GSA/2026/1), launched by the General Sports Authority (GSA) through the Government Land Investment Platform.
According to the Tender Board website, GFH Financial Group emerged as the sole bidder with an offer of BD770,000.
The GSA will now evaluate the submission before announcing whether the bid meets the project’s technical and financial requirements.
The investment opportunity is regarded as one of Bahrain’s most significant public-private partnership initiatives in the sports sector, offering a 25-year contract to operate, manage and develop the kingdom’s premier football venue.
The tender was open to Bahraini and GCC investors, with bid documents requiring offers to remain valid for 180 days.
Located within Shaikh Isa Sports City in North Riffa, the Bahrain National Stadium occupies a site of around 65,000sqm and has long been the home of the Bahrain national football team, Gulf Cup fixtures, international matches, regional tournaments, national celebrations and major entertainment events.
The wider sports city also includes the Isa Bin Rashid Sports Halls, Bahrain Football Association headquarters, Al Khaldiya Club, football training pitches and supporting facilities. However, the tender applies solely to the National Stadium, with any future development restricted to the approved investment boundary and subject to GSA approval.
Southern Municipal Council chairman and area councillor Abdulla Abdullatif, who previously spearheaded calls to open the stadium to private investment, welcomed the completion of the bidding stage.
“We have been officially informed that the tender process has concluded, but we are still awaiting full details regarding the investor, the investment value and the proposed development plans,” he told the GDN.
“Our proposal was always aimed at unlocking the potential of this national landmark. We want to see the stadium transformed into a vibrant year-round destination with improved facilities, commercial activities and entertainment while preserving its identity as Bahrain’s home of major sporting events.”
He added that the project should generate new tourism, recreational and investment opportunities without compromising the stadium’s primary sporting role.
Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman and Bahrain Chamber treasurer MP Ahmed Al Salloom said legislators would closely examine the agreement once the evaluation process is completed.
“Public-private partnerships are an essential pillar of Bahrain’s economic strategy and can unlock the value of government assets when implemented properly,” he said.
“Our committee will carefully review the agreement to ensure public ownership is protected, transparency is maintained and the project delivers tangible economic and social benefits. Investments of this nature should strengthen Bahrain’s sporting infrastructure, stimulate business opportunities and improve the visitor experience while ensuring affordable public access.”
Mr Al Salloom said Parliament would also seek assurances on the operator’s investment obligations, implementation timetable and long-term commitments.
“We expect the successful investor to introduce ambitious plans for modernising facilities, expanding hospitality and commercial offerings, increasing year-round use and generating sustainable revenues, while preserving the Bahrain National Stadium’s status as the kingdom’s flagship sporting venue,” he added.
If approved, he added, the project will mark the first time Bahrain’s most recognisable sporting landmark is operated under a long-term private investment model, potentially ushering in a new chapter for sport, entertainment and tourism in the kingdom.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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