BAHRAIN'S URBAN SHIFT: CONNECTED, GREEN AND LIVABLE

Elevating urban living with mixed-use and green communities

Bahrain is undergoing a dramatic urban transformation as mixed-use developments and green spaces reshape how residents live, work and socialise. The kingdom's push towards sustainable, connected communities marks a significant shift from traditional development patterns in the Gulf region.

Foster + Partners' ambitious Bilaj Al Jazayer Beach masterplan, unveiled recently for Bahrain's southwest coast, is a 3.5-kilometre beachfront development that integrates residential, hospitality and commercial spaces alongside public green areas and state-of-the-art amenities, creating what developers call a "walkable neighbourhood."

The project exemplifies Bahrain's evolving approach to urban planning. At the heart of the development are tree-lined streets and public spaces designed to encourage walking and cycling, a marked departure from the car-centric designs that have dominated Gulf cities for decades.

LEARNING FROM TRADITIONAL DESIGN

Foster + Partners' approach draws inspiration from Bahrain's architectural heritage. The design incorporates traditional passive cooling strategies to create comfortable outdoor spaces, addressing the region's extreme heat whilst promoting outdoor community interaction.

This focus on climate-responsive design comes as Bahrain and the planet face increasing environmental challenges. Urban greenery not only provides cooling but also improves air quality and creates vital community gathering spaces.

ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION THROUGH URBAN DEVELOPMENT

The push for mixed-use developments aligns with Bahrain's economic diversification strategy. Waterfront and mixed-use projects are adding to the high-end commercial and residential segments, creating new investment opportunities beyond the kingdom's traditional financial services sector.

Bahrain's ambitious development pipeline includes multiple mega-projects that exemplify this integrated approach. These developments combine residential communities with commercial hubs, recreational facilities and extensive green spaces, fundamentally altering the kingdom's urban landscape.

Major urban development projects planned for Bahrain's capital signal the government's commitment to transforming Manama into a modern, liveable metropolis. These projects integrate commercial, residential and recreational facilities, fostering environments where residents can live, work and play without extensive commuting

THE COASTLINE COMMUNITY-CENTRIC PLANNING

The shift towards mixed-use development reflects changing lifestyle preferences, particularly among younger Bahrainis and expatriates seeking more integrated living experiences. These developments prioritise walkability and community interaction, moving away from isolated residential compounds towards interconnected neighbourhoods.

Green corridors linking different zones within developments create natural pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, whilst shaded areas and water features provide respite from the heat. This integration of nature into urban fabric represents a fundamental rethinking of Gulf urbanism.

INVESTMENT AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

The economic implications are substantial. Mixed-use projects attract diverse investment streams, from residential buyers to commercial tenants and hospitality operators. This diversification reduces development risk whilst creating more resilient urban economies.

The scale of Bahrain's development ambitions is evident in its project pipeline, with multiple large-scale mixed-use developments underway that promise to reshape the kingdom's urban environment. These projects represent billions in investment and demonstrate confidence in Bahrain's long-term economic trajectory.

For Bahrain, these projects serve multiple objectives: attracting foreign investment, creating employment opportunities, improving quality of life for residents, and positioning the kingdom as a progressive Gulf nation embracing sustainable development.

As competition for talent and investment intensifies across the Gulf, Bahrain's focus on liveable, sustainable urban environments could prove a significant differentiator. The success of these mixed-use developments will likely influence urban planning strategies across the region, potentially reshaping how Gulf cities develop in the coming decades.

The integration of green spaces and mixed-use planning represents more than aesthetic improvement—it signals Bahrain's commitment to creating sustainable, connected communities that can thrive in the challenging Gulf climate whilst meeting the evolving needs of modern residents.

Anthon Garcia | June 2025