Market upgrades, expansion ahead

New markets offering essentials like fresh fish and produce are being built across Bahrain, as the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture expands shopping hubs in towns and villages.

The ministry, under the minister, His Excellency Eng. Wael Al Mubarak, has announced a series of projects aimed at making daily shopping more convenient for residents while supporting local businesses.

Responding to a parliamentary question from MP Mohammed Al Rifai, the ministry assured that every part of Bahrain is currently served by commercial hubs offering key goods, but future efforts will focus on setting up smaller shopping centres tailored to meet the needs of local communities.

Among the planned upgrades are the rehabilitation of Riffa Central Market, the creation of Muharraq Central Market in partnership with the private sector, and the redevelopment of Manama Central Market.

Facilities

The first phase of work at Manama Central Market has been completed, while the next stage will include building a market wall, improving parking spaces, resurfacing floors, enhancing drainage systems, and upgrading electrical facilities.

The ministry is also considering moving the wholesale fruit and vegetable market to a better-suited location.

A 2,809-square-metre site has already been set aside for the Central Fish Market in East Hidd.

Meanwhile, a short-term refurbishment plan has been approved for Sitra Market, which includes expanding parking areas.

An immediate relocation of the current market is also on the cards to improve customer access, while a long-term project aims to establish a fully equipped central market with modern services.

Plans

The ministry is also pressing ahead with plans to relocate Jid Hafs Souq to a new, larger site, offering it as an investment opportunity in collaboration with the private sector.

Preparations are already underway, with designs featuring direct storefronts and a modern layout across a 4,880-square-metre area.

Elsewhere, Isa Town Local Market (Al Maqasees) is set to be revived, with the ministry working alongside local councils and government bodies to finalise its location, design, and features.

Expectations

The goal is to create a space that meets the expectations of both traders and shoppers.

In new urban developments, such as Askar, a 10,008-square-metre plot has been allocated for a central market, while another site in East Hidd has been earmarked for a fish market. For Madinat Salman and East Sitra City, land use planning is still being reviewed by the relevant authorities.

If suitable sites are approved, the ministry plans to either start construction or explore investment opportunities through private-sector partnerships.

Stricter rules

The ministry has also pledged to introduce stricter rules for managing central and local markets.

These will cover proper use of trading spaces, limits on occupying pavements, and how common areas are managed, all to ensure public safety and maintain a clean, well-organised environment.

The ministry stressed that these measures are part of a broader effort to provide modern, user-friendly shopping spaces that benefit both residents and traders.