Bahrain: New initiatives to woo mega projects
Bahrain - The long wished for dream of a Disney or Universal Studios-style mega tourism magnet in Bahrain may have taken a step towards reality with new plans unveiled to attract global players to the kingdom.
Bahrain's Capital Trustees Board has endorsed strategic municipal investment proposals to advance Vision 2030 goals in a bid to attract massive projects.
Capital Trustees Board votes for key strategic investment projects during its meeting
In a significant move that could reshape Bahrain's development, the board unanimously approved two ambitious proposals aimed at enhancing community partnership and stimulating private sector-led municipal development.
The proposals presented by the board's financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Dr Abdulhassan Hassan Al Dairy – include the establishment of a portfolio for municipal projects and the organisation of an annual municipal investment forum.
Both were approved during the board's final meeting of the current term, held under the chairmanship of Saleh Tarradah.
Council members hailed the dual initiatives as essential tools to diversify income sources, optimise land use, improve municipal services and align with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030, which calls for sustainable development led by the private sector in a competitive and equitable environment.
'The aim is to create a dynamic mechanism for upgrading municipal services through innovation, technology and effective community engagement,' said Dr Al Dairy.
'This portfolio will not only help raise the quality of services but also enhance financial sustainability by reducing reliance on public budgets and attracting private investment.'
The municipal portfolio proposal seeks to create a unified and transparent system for prioritising, funding and implementing municipal projects with broad participation from the private sector, civil society and government agencies.
Dr Al Dairy outlined four core objectives:
Improving municipal services by adopting smart solutions and enhancing service delivery.
Enhancing community partnership by fostering participatory planning and communication between residents, civil society and the private sector.
Boosting financial sustainability through diversified income, efficient spending and optimal asset utilisation.
Developing municipal projects by maintaining and beautifying public spaces, expanding green areas and launching educational and recreational initiatives.
'This is a pivotal step in decentralising development and involving the community in shaping their environment,' added Dr Al Dairy. 'We want our citizens not just as recipients of services, but as partners in planning and execution.'
Dr Al Dairy pointed to the successful transformation of a narrow alley into an educational walkway in co-operation with the Bahrain Trust Foundation and the Southern Municipality as a model of effective collaboration. 'We have seen results when partnerships are well-structured,' he said.
'From Aljazair Beach, to the Galali Walkway, Marassi Bahrain and Tubli Bay Park – these projects are proof that when the private sector is empowered, urban development flourishes.'
The second proposal approved during the session witnesses the organisation of an annual Municipal Investment Forum – a strategic platform aimed at showcasing investment opportunities in municipal lands and fostering public-private partnerships.
'This forum is not just a one-off event – it's a national economic opportunity,' explained Mr Tarradah. 'It will empower the private sector to take the lead in municipal development and promote sustainability through smart, targeted investments.'
The forum will be organised in partnership with major Bahraini companies and financial institutions, including Bapco, Alba, Gulf Air, National Bank of Bahrain, Al Salam Bank, Ithmaar Bank and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait.
'We are not talking about small-scale local projects,' said Mr Tarradah. 'Through these forums, we are setting the foundation for attracting massive investments – even international ones like Disneyland or Universal Studios.
'Bahrain is open for business and ready to welcome global players to participate in our urban development.'
The proposals outline a clear working mechanism for managing projects under both the portfolio and the forum. It includes:
Formation of a supervisory committee made up of stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
Identification of priority projects based on the needs of residential and commercial areas.
Funding allocation from partnering banks and companies.
Project implementation in co-operation with relevant authorities.
Monitoring and evaluation to ensure long-term impact and accountability.
The board's vice-chairwoman Khulood Al Qattan welcomed the approval and called for swift action to bring both initiatives to life. 'We have municipal lands and facilities that have been underutilised for years. It is time to put them to work for the benefit of our communities and to create real economic returns.'
Ms Al Qattan emphasised that the investment forum, in particular, could help bridge the gap between government-led planning and market-driven solutions.
'We are seeing a new chapter in municipal work,' she said. 'Gone are the days when municipalities had to wait for central government funding. Now we can lead initiatives, attract investment and deliver tangible improvements with efficiency and creativity.'
The annual forum is aligned with four primary national objectives:
Enhancing economic sustainability by leveraging unused municipal assets.
Stimulating public-private partnerships to accelerate development and encourage innovation.
Empowering the private sector to lead projects, generate employment and bring in technological know-how.
Ensuring balanced distribution of projects across regions to promote equity and reduce disparities.
The forum will also cover critical topics such as:
Investment opportunities in municipal lands and properties
Public-private cooperation frameworks
Innovative financing methods
Review of successful local and regional investment models
Legal and legislative frameworks governing municipal partnerships
'These moves are consistent with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030 and the guidance of the wise leadership,' said Ms Al Qattan. 'We are building a future where municipalities are drivers of development and investment, not just service providers.
'With these proposals now formally endorsed, attention turns to the swift formation of the supervisory committees and initiation of preparatory work for the first Municipal Investment Forum, expected to be held in the coming months signalling a nationwide shift toward smart, sustainable and community-driven municipal governance.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
10 minutes ago
- The National
UK slams Israel for 'inhumane' aid delivery system in Gaza
Britain on Monday condemned Israel's new aid delivery system in Gaza as 'inhumane,' referencing reports of hundreds of Palestinians killed while attempting to access food and humanitarian supplies. 'The suffering in Gaza is appalling and cannot continue. Israel's aid delivery measures are inhumane,' said Fergus Eckersley, the UK's political co-ordinator to the United Nations. 'The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's operations, which are supposed to be saving lives, are themselves leading to mass casualties. Starving people who are desperate to feed their families are told food awaits them, but over 500 have reportedly been killed trying to access it.' Many Gazans said they have to walk for hours to reach the four appointed sites by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), meaning they must start travelling well before dawn if they are to stand any chance of receiving food. The Israeli military acknowledged on Monday that Palestinian civilians were harmed at aid distribution centres in Gaza, saying that instructions had been issued to forces following 'lessons learnt'. Previously, the military has said it fires warning shots at people who move suspiciously or get too close to troops, including while they are collecting aid. Since June 17, at least 580 Palestinians have been killed either trying to reach GHF distribution points or waiting for other aid convoys, Khaled Khiari, assistant secretary general for the Middle East, told Council members. Mr Khiari also said that the level of suffering and brutality in Gaza is 'unbearable', and the continued collective punishment of the Palestinian people is 'unjustifiable'. 'Civilians are being killed while simply trying to receive aid amid life-threatening famine. They are forced to flee time and again although no place in Gaza, as we know, is safe for civilians,' said Slovenia's UN envoy Samuel Zbogar. The World Food Programme reported that one in five people IN Gaza faces catastrophic levels of hunger, and more than 90,000 women and children urgently require treatment. The Palestinian deputy envoy to the UN, Majed Bamya, said to Council members: 'What if these people that you saw on your TVs every night and every day were Israelis starving, trying to get aid? Gaza was the most densely populated area on earth, with over two million people living in the Gaza Strip. They now are squeezed on 16 per cent of that area to render them more desperate, to force them to leave their land.' Israel has pushed for the GHF to replace the current UN-co-ordinated aid system, accusing Hamas of diverting assistance to sustain its rule. The US has backed these claims, but the world body says there has been no systematic aid theft. Israel's ambassador Danny Danon said the GHF has offered the United Nations full data-sharing, joint logistics and transparent monitoring. 'What has the response been from the Secretary General [Antonio Guterres] and other officials?' Mr Danon asked. 'We heard it today: indifference, defamation and obstruction.' In a letter sent last week to Mr Guterres, the head of the GHF Johnnie Moore urged the world body to engage 'immediately and directly' with the organisation, says it had a proven ability to distribute aid effectively. When asked by The National whether the UN had responded, spokesman Stephane Dujarric said: 'We're in the process of responding, but our public message and our private message is the same.' Mr Dujarric confirmed that senior UN officials had met GHF representatives in Israel, adding: 'We were invited in Israel to hear from the GHF and we went, because we don't refuse these kinds of meetings.' However, he reiterated concerns over safety: 'Our concerns continue. I think we've all seen what is happening again. We're not saying that GHF should not operate. What we're saying is that whether it's GHF or others, they need to operate in ways that are safe. And I think everyone can see that currently it's not safe. There's no need to reinvent the wheel.'
Arabian Business
4 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Middle East business travel surges to $18.1bn in 2024 with 6.1% growth forecast for 2025
The business travel sector in the Middle East is expanding at a faster pace than the global average, with the market reaching $18.1bn in 2024 and projected to grow by 6.1 per cent year-on-year into 2025, according to new research by Tumodo. Compared to late 2024, the volume of business travel bookings across the region rose by 40 per cent, underscoring renewed demand for corporate mobility and technologically advanced travel services. Tumodo attributes the rise to digital innovation, improved travel infrastructure, and post-Ramadan business momentum—April and May were the busiest months in H1 2025. Middle East business travel The broader MENA corporate travel market is expected to grow significantly, reaching $270.8bn by 2030, driven by economic diversification efforts, infrastructure investments, and cross-border business activity. Saudi Arabia emerged as the most travelled-to destination in the MENA region, accounting for 20 per cent of all trips. Other key destinations included: United Kingdom: 15 per cent France and India: 10 per cent each Oman: 5 per cent These trends reflect deepening trade and investment ties between the Middle East and major European and Asian markets. Regional carriers dominated the skies, with Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways ranked as the top airlines among business travellers. India remained the most affordable route, while the United Kingdom topped the list for premium travel—both in airfare and accommodation costs. Dubai continues to serve as a vital travel hub with frequent routes to global business centres such as Riyadh, London, and Guangzhou. Demand for additional corporate travel services is also rising: Visa support increased by 15 per cent Ground transfers grew by 11 per cent Corporate event bookings rose by 7.25 per cent The average trip duration remained short—just two days—but more travellers are now blending work with leisure, fuelling the rise of 'bleisure' travel. Premium stays remain popular, with 75 per cent of bookings in four- and five-star hotels. Thanks to AI-powered features, Tumodo clients experienced a 12 per cent drop in average airfare costs in H1 2025. Meanwhile, overall booking values rose by just 2 per cent, compared to a 10 per cent industry average. Tools such as customisable travel policies, approval workflows, real-time analytics, and CO₂ emissions tracking enabled clients to optimise travel while supporting UAE's Environment Vision 2030. Stan Klyuy, CCO of Tumodo, said: 'The impressive 50 per cent year-on-year growth we've seen this year signals a shift from recovery to reinvention. With average airfares down by 12 per cent and hotel bookings up only by 2 per cent, we're helping businesses travel more efficiently by lowering emissions, saving time, and optimising cost using our AI tools and deep data. 'We're focused on growing throughout the GCC and Europe in the future, as well as improving the platform with more intricate integrations and predictive capabilities'. As global corporate travel rebounds, industry analysts project worldwide spending to exceed $1tn in 2025. The Middle East is expected to lead growth, with a regional expansion rate of 6.19 per cent—among the highest globally.
Arabian Business
4 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai's luxury property buyers prioritise lifestyle, privacy and architectural design
Luxury real estate investors in Dubai seek privacy, exclusivity and lifestyle amenities, according to research from MERED. The real estate developer behind ICONIC Residences Design by Pininfarina, released its buyer insights based on engagements during the first half of 2025. The report outlines shifting preferences among high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) investing in Dubai's premium residential market. The findings highlight a growing preference for lifestyle-led investments, functional layouts, and wellness-driven design, particularly among a younger generation of investors from sectors such as tech, digital finance, and crypto. Luxury Dubai real estate trends The report identifies the top factors influencing purchase decisions among Dubai's premium buyers: Privacy and exclusivity – 65 per cent Architectural quality and design – 60 per cent Location and connectivity – 55 per cent Long-term investment value – 50 per cent Lifestyle amenities and services – 45 per cent Capital appreciation potential – sought by nearly all investors Demand is strongest for one and two-bedroom layouts, which offer greater flexibility and are well suited to both personal use and short-term rental strategies. Purchases are becoming more purpose-driven, with 45 per cent buying for self-use, 30 per cent for investment, and 25 per cent opting for a hybrid model that combines both. Buyers aged between 40 and 50 still make up the majority of the market from diverse professional backgrounds, including finance, private equity, trading, legal, and healthcare. However, a growing number of younger buyers are entering the Dubai real estate market, said MERED. More than 85 per cent of buyers asked about amenities in their initial conversations, pointing to increasing demand for lifestyle-enhancing features: Private terraces, padel courts, yoga studios, and indoor cinemas Ice-spas, kids' play areas, and wellness-focused design Medical-grade air filtration and ultra-purified water systems Wooden flooring and heated bathrooms Michael Belton, CEO of MERED, said: 'Today's generation of investors is sophisticated and discerning, expecting timeless architecture, wellness integration, and a genuine sense of community. At MERED, we see this as an opportunity to set a new benchmark with projects that speak to ambition, identity, and the way people want to live and invest in their future.' The MERED analysis highlighted four key motivations that consistently influence final purchase decisions: Around 40 per cent of buyers are most drawn to the architectural quality and design pedigree of the project Another 30 per cent cite long-term investment value and returns as their primary driver A further 20 per cent are motivated by lifestyle and the surrounding sense of community 10 per cent are focused on the developer's track record
