The History of and Development in Bahrain

The history of real estate in Bahrain started from a simple but obstacle ridden town planning initiative to a complex but well-regulated system of land development. Across the decades, the property market has soared to new heights and the easing of residence and ownership restrictions has made property in Bahrain more attractive.

The government is working to provide thousands of housing units that will be built in various towns and villages in the Kingdom. The government builds a huge percentage of these units while the private sector builds the remaining amount.

The main driver behind this growth is the strong population growth and the increase in income, in addition to increased demand from the GCC countries. At present, the Survey and Land Registration Bureau (SLRB)  is the governmental body in charge of land, aerial and hydrographic survey services, and the registration of real estate properties  in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Town planning was first conducted in 1968, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalid Al Khalifa, the former Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture from 1967 to 1975.

During that time, the main challenge for land development and masterplanning was public acceptance and approval since the system and its regulations were new to landowners.

Planning professionals and experts were consulted and from that time, he had made significant contributions to local town planning and developed infrastructures and developments such as  the Ahmed Al Fateh Mosque and Sheikh Isa Bin Salman library.

Part of the developments are the restoration of Muharraq’s traditional Bahraini houses which illustrates the cultural heritage; the Sheikh Isa bin Ali House, an icon of Gulf Islamic architecture; Sheikh Ebrahim Bin Mohamed Al Khalifa Center for Culture and Research which depicts Bahrain’s heritage; Kurar House which promotes traditional embroidery; and Bin Mattar House, which vividly depicts Bahrain’s pearling history; all of which reflect a commitment towards the preservation of Bahrain’s cultural heritage.

Alongside the initiative to preserve the cultural heritage, are continuous efforts to preserve monuments and archeological sites for public appreciation, including museums, monuments, old mosques and libraries.

At present, Bahrain is the hub of world-class developments and across the island, major projects and infrastructure are catching the imagination of the world such as Difaaf in Reef Island.

 

Useful Links:   Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, Calendar.bh

Source:  The History of Land Use and Development in Bahrain, Mohammad Noor Al-Nabi