• A plan of new strategic projects to drive investment, develop infrastructure, create jobs, and boost economic growth will see an investment of more than $30 billion
• More than 20 new projects including 5 new sea cities
• Major national infrastructure and communications projects include a 100-kilometre metro system and a new bridge linking the Kingdom to Saudi Arabia
• Bahrain International Fair to become the largest “conference city” in the Middle East
Manama, November 24 (BNA) The Government of Bahrain announced today the details of its plan for strategic projects, which will see investment of more than $30 billion in national infrastructure and its priority strategic sectors. The new multi-year projects represent one of the most important capital investment injections into Bahrain and will lead the economic recovery plan, which is designed to enhance the long-term competitiveness of Bahrain’s economy, and stimulate growth after the pandemic.
Comprising of 22 distinct projects across key sectors – including telecommunications, tourism, education, manufacturing and health – the plan will also contribute to the realization of Bahrain’s 2030 Economic Vision.
New projects include the construction of five cities located on newly constructed islands, increasing Bahrain’s total land area by more than 60%. Fisht El-Garm, the largest of the projects planned, will span an area of 183 square kilometres, providing a residential, logistical and tourism hub that includes a new airport. The new 25-kilometre-long, four-lane King Hamad Causeway will facilitate cross-border trade and travel with Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council, and enhance political, strategic, economic and cultural ties.
Within Bahrain, a new metro system will provide travel options, reduce congestion and contribute to the kingdom’s plans to achieve net zero. The metro network of more than 109 kilometers will connect all major population centers in the country. The first phase of the metro’s 20 stations will operate from Bahrain International Airport to the residential and commercial district of Seef, linking both Manama and the diplomatic district.
The transport link will be complemented by technological investment in land and sea optical fibers, linking all regions of the Kingdom and enhancing competitiveness. Next-generation cloud computing services will be supported by significant investments in several new data center projects. The construction of “Sports City”, a complex that will house the largest sports stadium in Bahrain and a multi-purpose indoor sports arena, will make Bahrain a center for events, entertainment and sports. In addition, the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Center will be the largest “convention city” in the Middle East and a “tourist city”, a series of resorts in southwest Bahrain, which will enhance the Kingdom’s position as a global destination for visitors.
The new projects announced under the strategic projects plan will be based on the Kingdom’s 2015 infrastructure plan that delivered the new Bahrain International Airport terminal, the Alba Line 6 expansion project, and the AB-4 pipeline.
Following this announcement, His Excellency Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy, said:
“Bahrain is emerging from the pandemic with a bold ambition that looks beyond economic recovery to a more prosperous future. This transformative investment will increase education and lifestyle opportunities for young people and provide them with quality healthcare, homes and career paths as they progress into adulthood.”
New and existing industries will be stimulated and private sector growth in the tourism and entertainment sectors will be driven forward through investment in infrastructure and telecommunications, while upgrading connectivity within and outside the Kingdom for the efficient movement of goods, services and people.”
The strategic projects plan is an investment not only in Bahrain’s physical infrastructure but in the future prosperity of the people of the kingdom.”