Bahrain’s Capital Governorate is set for a major transformation over the coming year, with plans ranging from the revitalisation of historic Manama and major road projects to waterfront developments, green spaces, smart municipal services and the relocation of the Manama Central Market.
The Capital Trustees Board unanimously approved its 2026-2027 plan, setting out an ambitious programme aimed at improving the quality of life for residents while strengthening Manama’s position as a cultural, commercial, tourist and maritime centre.
Board chairman Saleh Tarradah said the plan was designed to balance development with the preservation of the capital’s heritage and identity.
“The Capital is at the heart of Bahrain’s economic, cultural and social life, and our responsibility is to ensure that its development keeps pace with the needs of residents while preserving its unique identity,” Mr Tarradah said.
“This plan brings together infrastructure, urban development, environmental sustainability, investment, tourism and modern municipal services under one comprehensive vision for the future of the Capital.”
A major focus will be on Manama, with efforts to implement royal directives to preserve the historical and cultural identity of Bahrain’s buildings and cities. The programme will target infrastructure, services and basic facilities while improving the area’s tourism and economic appeal.
Mr Tarradah said the historic heart of the Capital should not simply be preserved as a reminder of the past, but developed into a vibrant destination for residents, visitors and investors.
“Our heritage areas are part of Bahrain’s national identity. We want to protect their character while giving them new life through better infrastructure, services, investment and tourism opportunities,” he said.
- The plan includes detailed urban planning for numerous areas, including Nabih Saleh, Sitra, Al Hamriyah, Sanad, Jid Ali, Tubli, Bahrain Fort Village, Kuwara and parts of the Green Belt, as well as Tashan, Musalla and Bu Ghazal.
Building regulations will be reviewed to keep pace with development and support the real estate investment sector.
The board will seek regulatory mechanisms to encourage owners of abandoned properties to restore and invest in them rather than allowing the buildings to deteriorate.
- Major infrastructure projects will form another cornerstone of the programme.
Projects at different stages of planning, design and implementation include the development of Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Highway, King Faisal Highway and Road 23 in Tubli, as well as the North Manama Bridge and the proposed fourth bridge linking Manama and Muharraq.
The board will also pursue improvements to internal roads and strategic routes across the governorate.
- The plan places particular emphasis on sewage infrastructure because of its direct impact on public health and environmental protection. Projects include the fourth phase of the Tubli Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion, sewage networks in Jid Ali’s Block 721, and networks covering several blocks in Sitra, Tubli and Tashan.
A comprehensive strategy will also be developed to address problems caused by heavy rainfall and flooding across the Capital.
“Infrastructure beneath our roads is just as important as the projects people see above ground,” Mr Tarradah said.
“Improving drainage and sewage networks is fundamentally about protecting public health, the environment and the resilience of our communities.”
- The board has placed environmental sustainability firmly on its agenda, with plans to expand green spaces, rehabilitate parks and create more recreational outlets. The programme includes monitoring irrigation-water networks required for afforestation and supporting the national ‘Stay Green’ initiative.
The Capital will also explore the use of municipal solid waste in energy production, helping reduce landfill waste and greenhouse-gas emissions while generating renewable electricity.
It will also promote recycling by exploring the collection of recyclable materials from homes through the Capital’s electronic application and launching a pilot project for underground waste containers.
The board plans to work with companies and specialist bodies to promote the circular economy and environmental sustainability.
The board will encourage green-building initiatives and promote solutions for harvesting and utilising rainwater to strengthen water security.
- The Capital’s coastline is also earmarked for major development. The waterfront development programme along King Faisal Highway aims to reinforce Manama’s identity as a maritime city and create public spaces and tourism and investment opportunities along the coast.
The plan also includes the development of Karbabad Coast, while the Bahrain Marina project is highlighted as one of the most prominent integrated waterfront developments, bringing residential, commercial and marine facilities together on Manama’s eastern waterfront.
“Manama has always been connected to the sea. Developing its waterfront is an opportunity to reconnect people with that identity and create attractive public, tourism and investment destinations,” Mr Tarradah said.
- One of the most significant proposals is the relocation of the Manama Central Market from its current location in the heart of the capital to a new site in Buri.
The proposed modern central market is envisioned as an integrated facility combining Bahrain’s Gulf heritage with modern technological and environmental systems. The fully air-conditioned market would provide shoppers with a cleaner and more comfortable environment.
At the same time, the board will review a comprehensive study prepared by Edamah on the investment potential of the existing Central Market site, which could unlock new commercial opportunities in the heart of Manama.
- Artificial intelligence will also have a growing role in municipal services.
Among the proposals are AI-based systems to gather data on visitors to public parks, the creation of a National Information Platform for Buildings, and a dedicated electronic application for the Capital Trustees Board. The aim is to improve efficiency, data management and the delivery of municipal services.
“Technology must make municipal services easier, faster and more responsive,” Mr Tarradah said.
“Artificial intelligence and digital platforms will help us understand the needs of our communities better and make decisions based on accurate information.”
- The board will continue monitoring cleanliness, road maintenance, advertisements, posters, labour accommodation, food trucks, construction and development activities.
- The plan includes continued support for municipal and service requirements linked to the third phase of the East Sara Housing Project, which includes around 1,200 housing units.
- The Capital will also continue co-operation with the governorate and relevant authorities to maintain and renew compliance with the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s Healthy Cities Programme standards.
- Modern urban transport solutions will be examined, including smart and sustainable systems capable of connecting different parts of the Capital efficiently.
- The board will also seek technical and commercial solutions to the chronic shortage of parking spaces, particularly around markets, health centres, schools, places of worship and government buildings during working hours.
Efforts are underway to develop youth and recreational facilities, sports and entertainment venues, playgrounds and children’s facilities in several areas. Existing playgrounds will also be maintained and upgraded.
The board will continue working with civil society organisations on community programmes and regional activities.
- Environmental co-operation will extend to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) working group tasked with rehabilitating, cultivating and developing mangroves in Tubli Bay. The project is intended to protect coastlines, strengthen mangrove biodiversity, combat climate change and increase carbon sequestration.
It also covers requests for property acquisition for public benefit, including land in Sitra Al Kharjiya to provide public parking and other community facilities.
- Meanwhile, natural, historical and archaeological springs will be revitalised as part of efforts to protect national identity, support sustainable tourism and restore ecological balance.
Mr Tarradah said the sheer breadth of the plan reflected the board’s determination to tackle both immediate municipal concerns and the longer-term challenges facing the Capital.
“This is not simply a list of projects. It is a roadmap for a Capital that is cleaner, greener, smarter, better connected and more attractive to residents, businesses and visitors,” he said.
“Our objective is to ensure that development serves people while protecting the character and heritage that make Manama and the Capital Governorate unique.”
The board will follow up on the various priorities through its committees and upcoming meetings, working with government agencies and other stakeholders to move projects from planning to implementation.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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