A SPRAWLING 82,800-square-metre waterfront property in Al Sayah in Busaiteen is set to be transformed into a vibrant leisure destination, as the Muharraq Municipal Council advances an ambitious proposal to convert the site into a seasonal open-air recreational and commercial hub.
Led by councillor Abdulqader Al Sayed, chairman of the council’s services and public utilities committee, the project seeks to revitalise Property Number 02029612 through temporary development – a model inspired by regional successes such as Riyadh’s ‘Winter Park’ – offering scenic seating areas, food trucks, small shops and cultural activities, all overlooking the picturesque Bahrain Bay.
“This is not just a commercial idea; it’s a vision to activate one of Muharraq’s most valuable coastal assets without disturbing its natural beauty,” said Mr Al Sayed.
“The aim is to create a seasonal experience that brings families, tourists and youth together while opening the door for SMEs and young Bahraini entrepreneurs to participate in a controlled and dignified environment.”
The proposal, approved unanimously, strictly forbids permanent construction, allowing only removable and temporary structures such as tents, kiosks, wooden seating and food trucks.
“We want this to be a safe, inclusive space that reflects our community’s values. There will be strict guidelines against misuse or inappropriate activity,” added Mr Al Sayed.
“Security staff and surveillance will be part of the investor’s obligations, and Civil Defence safety requirements will also be enforced.”
The investment model revolves around land leasing, with the investor bearing all setup and operational costs.
“It is a low-risk, high-reward model for the municipality,” explained Ahmed Al Meghawi, chairman of the council’s financial, administrative and legal committee, which recommended the initiative.
“The municipality benefits from rental revenues and increased activity in the area without any infrastructure expenditure. Meanwhile, the investor gets a five-year lease with the opportunity to recoup their investment within the first year.”
The site offers a direct sea view of Bahrain Bay and is strategically located near residential communities in Busaiteen, making it an ideal year-round and seasonal destination, especially in the winter months.
The envisioned ‘Al Sayah Winter Park’ would include:
* 20 to 30 seating zones: Small areas for couples, larger family spaces and group tents.
* Five to 15 food trucks: Selected based on diversity and quality standards.
* Sales kiosks: Featuring local crafts, Bahraini snacks and heritage products.
* Entertainment spaces: Including small cultural performance stages, photography zones and children’s games such as trampolines and rope climbing.
* Support services: Portable restrooms, temporary lighting, waste disposal units and round-the-clock security and surveillance.
The proposal outlines a maximum six-month grace period for set-up and operation, and calls for periodic municipal inspections to ensure compliance.
A detailed feasibility study estimates the total initial set-up cost at around BD28,500, covering seating, food trucks, restrooms, decorations and other site enhancements.
Annual operating costs are projected at BD22,400, while estimated revenues could reach BD61,200 per year – resulting in a net annual profit of BD38,800.
Over five years, net profits are projected to exceed BD165,000, with the initial investment recovered within the first operational season.
“The economics speak for themselves,” said Mr Al Meghawi.
“This project could become a model for how we activate public land in a sustainable, flexible and community-centric way.”
The proposal also recommends offering the investment opportunity through a public tender, preceded by outreach to experienced operators of seasonal recreational venues to attract quality bidders.
The council believes the project has the potential to become a regional destination, especially during Bahrain’s cooler months. The proposal emphasises integration with local cultural institutions and organisations to host winter festivals, marine-themed events and traditional performances, turning Al Sayah into a seasonal community magnet.
Additional ideas include:
* Special booking packages for family gatherings.
* Youth employment programmes in partnership with Tamkeen and other training entities.
* Product showcases for small producers of national crafts and foods.
* BBQ and leisure services for visiting families.
“It’s not just about selling food or renting seats – it’s about creating a new social and economic experience on Muharraq’s coastline,” said the council’s chairman Abdulaziz Al Naar.
“We’re sending a clear message that our coasts are not just to be looked at — they are to be enjoyed, respectfully and responsibly.”
In keeping with the coastal area’s natural beauty, the council is placing firm conditions to preserve the character of the site:
* No concrete structures.
* Lightweight, removable facilities only.
* Infrastructure such as electricity and water must be provided by the investor via temporary solutions like generators and tanks.
* Operations must strictly adhere to public health, safety and moral standards.
The council believes that the success of this initiative could pave the way for similar projects across Bahrain’s coastline – combining tourism, community benefit and private sector partnership in one framework.
“Busaiteen deserves a waterfront development that’s both accessible and inspiring,” said Mr Al Naar.
“If done right, this project could become a jewel in Muharraq’s tourism crown – and a new way for families, locals and tourists to connect with the sea.
“Al Sayah’s transformation into a vibrant seasonal park now awaits the right investor to bring the vision to life.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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