On July 29, 2025, Her Excellency Fatima bint Jaffar Al Sairafi, Bahrain’s Minister of Tourism, toured the sprawling Bahrain Marina project along Manama’s eastern waterfront. Spanning 250,000 sqm of reclaimed coastline, the development represents one of the flagship initiatives under the Kingdom’s Tourism Strategy 2022–2026. Designed to elevate Bahrain’s profile as a premium Gulf destination, the marina integrates upscale residential towers, a state-of-the-art yacht club, high-end retail and dining venues, and hotel facilities into a cohesive mixed-use precinct that caters to global travelers and local investors alike.
The launch of Bahrain Marina marks a pivotal moment in Bahrain’s economic diversification and tourism expansion efforts. With a focus on delivering immersive luxury experiences, the development is poised to attract high-net-worth visitors seeking bespoke waterfront living and leisure. By blending cultural attractions with modern amenities, the marina aligns with the government’s vision to drive non-oil revenue streams and enhance the Kingdom’s competitiveness against regional peers. As the tourism sector continues to grow at a steady pace, this integrated waterfront hub will play a central role in boosting visitor spend and lengthening average stays.
At its core, Bahrain Marina offers an array of world-class facilities. The residential component features designer apartments with panoramic views of the Persian Gulf, private balconies, and exclusive concierge services. A dedicated yacht club and marina basin accommodate vessels of all sizes, providing secure berths and full-service maintenance docks. A curated retail promenade will host luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants, while a five-star hotel caters to short-stay guests with direct access to the waterfront. Complementary green spaces, landscaped promenades, and public art installations enrich the visitor experience and foster community engagement.
By redefining Manama’s coastal identity, Bahrain Marina will elevate the visitor journey from arrival to departure. Tourists can embark on sunrise yacht excursions, dine at waterfront terraces, and explore curated cultural events hosted on floating stages. Interactive marine exhibits and water sports facilities will appeal to families and adventure travelers. The seamless mix of leisure, entertainment, and residential amenities ensures that Bahrain Marina becomes a 24/7 destination, reinforcing Bahrain’s reputation as a lifestyle and tourism focal point in the Gulf region.
Bahrain Marina’s development has already generated hundreds of local jobs in construction, hospitality, and retail, with further employment opportunities anticipated in operations and management upon completion. International and domestic investors have shown strong interest, drawn by the project’s strategic planning and robust regulatory framework. Reyadh Sater, Chairman of Bahrain Marina Development Company, emphasizes that the project will catalyze foreign direct investment and stimulate ancillary industries such as marine services, event management, and luxury branding. This influx of capital underpins Bahrain’s broader economic transformation and long-term growth objectives.
Committed to sustainable tourism, Bahrain Marina incorporates energy-efficient building systems, water recycling technologies, and extensive landscaping with native plant species. Pedestrian-friendly pathways and cycling routes reduce reliance on motor vehicles, while solar shading structures and green roofs mitigate heat island effects. The masterplan prioritizes environmental stewardship, aiming for a minimal ecological footprint and compliance with international sustainability standards. These measures underscore Bahrain’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage while forging ahead with modern tourism infrastructure.
Positioned three kilometres from Bahrain International Airport and adjacent to Manama’s central business district, Bahrain Marina offers effortless connectivity for travelers. High-capacity road links and dedicated shuttle services ensure smooth transit between the marina and key city landmarks, including historic souks, cultural museums, and financial hubs. Proximity to major arterial highways also enables quick access to suburban entertainment complexes and desert attractions, broadening the range of tourism experiences. This seamless integration with Bahrain’s transport network will further enhance visitor convenience and satisfaction.
Looking ahead, Bahrain Marina is scheduled to open its first phase to the public in early 2026, with subsequent phases rolling out through 2027. Once fully operational, the development is expected to contribute significantly to national tourism metrics, including hotel occupancy rates and tourism GDP. As Bahrain continues to build on its strategic Tourism Strategy 2022–2026, the marina stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s ambition to lead in luxury waterfront tourism. With its blend of world-class facilities, sustainable design, and strategic positioning, Bahrain Marina is set to redefine the Gulf travel landscape.
(Source: Bahrain Ministry of Tourism, Bahrain Marina Development Company)
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