Manama: In implementation of the directive of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to establish a framework for preserving the historical and cultural identity of Bahrain's cities and buildings, and following the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to launch a comprehensive redevelopment plan for the historic Manama Souq district, senior officials held a joint coordination meeting to review the latest developments related to the project.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting was attended by Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture; Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning; and Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), with members of the Capital Trustees Board, chaired by Saleh Taher Tarradah, alongside several officials.
During the meeting, Minister Al Mubarak described the redevelopment of the historic Manama Souq district as one of the Kingdom's key urban revitalisation projects, highlighting its role in restoring the area's vibrancy and reinforcing its standing as a prominent heritage and tourism destination. He said the ministry is supporting the project through the enhancement of municipal services, urban infrastructure, and public amenities in line with the visions of His Majesty the King and the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, while also contributing to sustainable development objectives.
The Minister also stressed the importance of continued coordination with the Capital Trustees Board to ensure the project is delivered efficiently and in accordance with best urban planning and development standards.
For her part, Minister Al Rumaihi said the redevelopment project reflects Bahrain's ongoing commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty the King and the guidance of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to preserving historical districts and landmarks that represent the Kingdom's cultural and architectural heritage. She noted that the project's implementation plan seeks to retain the area's traditional architectural identity while incorporating modern development features.
She added that the project is expected to stimulate commercial activity and improve the overall visitor experience through the restoration of heritage buildings, upgrading roads and pedestrian pathways, improving market spaces, and creating venues suited for cultural and commercial events.
The meeting also reviewed the latest planning and implementation updates for the redevelopment project, including infrastructure works and the enhancement of public facilities and services, aimed at strengthening the district's economic and tourism appeal.
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed said the redevelopment of the historic Manama Souq district is being given particular attention due to its significance as one of Bahrain's most notable heritage sites. He affirmed the authority's commitment to preserving the area's historic landmarks and heritage features in a way that reflects the Kingdom's deep-rooted cultural identity and enhances its profile on the cultural and tourism landscape.
Tarradah expressed appreciation for the project and reaffirmed the board's full support for efforts to redevelop the historic Manama Souq district. He also highlighted the importance of engaging the local community and shop owners throughout the implementation phases to help ensure the project's long-term sustainability.