Plans are underway to breathe new life into Exhibitions Avenue in Hoora.
Once considered one of Bahrain’s most vibrant nightlife and commercial hubs, the area is showing signs of decline with ‘for rent’ signs replacing the buzz of thriving cafés, shops and clubs.
With the action now shifting to modern districts such as Juffair and Seef, businesses along Exhibitions Avenue have been affected, leading to closures and a visible decrease in foot traffic.
Acknowledging the downturn, authorities and community leaders are now launching efforts to reverse the trend.
According to Hoora and Gudaibiya MP Mohammed Hussain Janahi the shift is not necessarily a result of the area’s decline, but rather a broader change in lifestyle trends and generational preferences.
“This is a natural evolution of urban dynamics,” he said.
“Every generation has its own idea of what constitutes entertainment and lifestyle,” he added.
“While the older generation may still have a nostalgic connection to Exhibitions Avenue, younger Bahrainis and tourists are more drawn to the modern aesthetics and entertainment offerings found in places like Juffair and Seef.”
Despite the changes, Mr Janahi stressed that the district has not lost its appeal entirely.
“Exhibitions Avenue continues to attract a particular segment of the local population and visitors from across the GCC,” he said.
“It still has its charm and cultural value – and that’s precisely why the area deserves attention and revitalisation.
“It’s not about bringing back the past as it was.
“It’s about evolving in a way that retains our identity while meeting the expectations of a new era.”
In response to concerns raised by residents and business owners, the Capital Trustees Board has launched a study to assess the causes behind the apparent decline and propose a path forward.
Board chairman Saleh Tarradah confirmed that a comprehensive review is underway.
“We’re alarmed by the slow decline of Exhibitions Avenue’s appeal and are taking it seriously,” he said.
“However, we also believe that revival is possible with the right data, community input and strategic planning.”
He stressed that commercial vitality isn’t always tied to a prime location.
“Some businesses thrive even if hidden in an alley,” he explained.
“This tells us that the problem may not just be about location; it could involve issues of branding, regulation, infrastructure or marketing. We’re looking at all the possibilities.”
Board vice-chairwoman Khulood Al Qattan offered a more optimistic take, describing the current situation as a ‘rebirth phase’ rather than a demise.
“Following the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses in Exhibitions Avenue closed, and others took their place. This type of disruption is common globally, but it also presents opportunities for reinvention,” she said.
She argued that the slowdown in the area was not due to lack of interest, but part of a larger trend in Bahrain’s economic and urban growth.
“Bahrain is flourishing, and what we’re seeing is decentralisation,” she explained.
“Businesses are no longer concentrated solely in the Capital Governorate.
“They’ve expanded to other parts of the country where rent may be lower, traffic easier and customers more diverse.”
Ms Al Qattan, who is also the Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society vice-chairman, added that the board was already engaging with stakeholders to devise ways to reignite interest in Exhibitions Avenue, including support for small businesses, improved lighting and infrastructure, and cultural events to attract footfall.
“The future of Exhibitions Avenue, once synonymous with the lively spirit of Bahrain’s capital, now lies in a carefully co-ordinated effort to adapt to modern realities while preserving the area’s unique character.”
The board is expected to release its findings later this year, with stakeholders hopeful that the study will lead to actionable steps to restore the district’s vibrancy.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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