TL;DR:
- Licences for nine major projects in
Bahrain during 2024 totalled BD 156 million, covering nearly 387,204 sqm.
- The largest project:
twin-tower residential block in Capital Governorate was valued at BD 54.454 million.
- Other major licences: villas, new schools, a bank branch, mixed-use developments, and an industrial facility.
As per News of Bahrain, in 2024, Bahrain’s Ministry of Municipalities Affairs & Agriculture issued licences for nine major development projects valued at BD 156 million ($414 million), spanning nearly 387,204 square metres across the kingdom. The largest development, a twin-tower residential block in Capital Governorate accounted for BD 54.454 million, marking it as the most significant housing licence that year.
Licensed Projects Breakdown
- Twin-tower residential block: The highest-value licence in 2024, valued at BD 54.454 million ($145 million), located in the Capital Governorate, reflecting significant private-sector housing investment.
- Residential/Mixed site: Another project including villas and flats licensed at BD 19.150 million ($51 million).
-
National Bank of Kuwait branch: A new banking facility setup valued at BD 11.2 million ($30 million).
- Education & Mixed‑Use in Regions
- St Christopher’s School (Southern Governorate): A new educational campus project valued at BD 16.262 million ($43 million).
- Private school (Northern Governorate): A separate license for a school project of BD 14.456 million ($38 million).
- Industrial and Mixed-Use Developments
- Factory in Southern Governorate: Industrial development approved at BD 10.6 million ($28 million).
- Muharraq mixed-use projects: Two developments combining residential and retail use, valued at BD 14.191 million ($38 million) and BD 9.6 million ($25 million) respectively.
- Residential compound (North Governorate): Family housing development approved for BD 6.145 million ($16 million).
Strategic Context & Economic Significance
These licences reflect Bahrain’s ongoing effort to encourage balanced growth and simplify investment procedures. The projects span housing, education, banking, commercial, and industrial sectors aligned with national economic goals aimed at enhancing livability and attracting capital. By streamlining licensing and promoting cross-sector development, Bahrain is reinforcing infrastructure, public services, and housing stock in line with broader strategic priorities.
Why It Matters
- Housing Expansion: Key residential developments confirm continued demand for quality housing in the capital and north.
- Education Infrastructure: New schools reflect rising investment in human capital across southern and northern regions.
- Economic Diversification: Licensing for a factory and bank branch underscores commitment to expanding non-oil sectors.
- Regional Balance: Projects distributed across Capital, Muharraq, South, and North Bahrain promote nationwide development.
Construction Momentum in H1 2025
- As per BizBahrain, in the first half of 2025, Bahrain issued 4,299 building permits via the national Benayat system, a 31.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
- The total licensed construction area soared to 1.743 million sqm, up 57.9% year-on-year, indicating that many of the licensed 2024 projects are now under development
- The construction industry is forecast to grow by 3.5% in 2025, buoyed by swelling tender awards and public-private sector activity. Notably, tender value rose by 145% in 2024 alone.
The BD 156 million figure in licences isn’t static, it reflects a developmental pipeline now visibly progressing in 2025. The surge in permits, visible infrastructure rollouts, and rising industry output all point to major construction activity stemming from those approvals.The approval of nine high-value development projects worth BD 156 million in 2024 marks a pivotal moment in Bahrain’s ongoing economic and infrastructure transformation. These licences are more than just administrative milestones, they represent targeted investments that support the country’s Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification, urban modernization, and enhanced public services. The diversity of the projects ranging from twin-tower residential buildings to modern educational institutions and industrial facilities signals a strategic push to strengthen both the private and public sectors. It also showcases Bahrain’s commitment to decentralised development, as each of the four governorates benefitted from at least one major project, helping to ease urban pressure on the Capital Governorate while encouraging growth in the North, South, and Muharraq regions.As Bahrain looks ahead, such large-scale project licensing will remain a key mechanism to drive economic momentum, accommodate a growing population, and position the Kingdom as a competitive and modern hub in the GCC. With infrastructure at the heart of its development strategy, Bahrain is setting the stage for a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
