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The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir … the place is 'flourishing.'’

Investors urge desert land zoning in Bahrain

MANAMA, September 17, 2014

Bahrain could be losing out on millions of dinars of investments because authorities have still not defined areas of the desert that can be developed.

The Southern Municipal Council said it has been contacted by several investors from across the region, who were ready to pump money into new projects in areas surrounding the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

However, it said the Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry has still not drawn up proper zoning maps to determine residential, commercial, industrial and service areas.

It said it has been trying to convince authorities to classify the areas since the success of the first Formula One race in 2004.

"The place is flourishing. Before it just had Bahrain University and now it has two hotels, a water park and top branded restaurants which are crowned by the BIC," council chairman Mohsin Al Bakri told the GDN.

"Yet, more than 10 years down the line, we are still demanding that the place gets properly classified as investors from all across the region are willing to pump money into unique projects.

"With proper investments, the area, in the next 10 years, could be turned into a haven for family entertainment with the construction of new resorts, recreational facilities and proper dining outlets.

"What would be just an attraction during F1 days could be Bahrain's most visited place by GCC nationals and guests throughout the year, if investments are allowed in," he added.

The outgoing councillor is urging candidates running for the upcoming elections, expected to take place in November, to lobby the Royal Court to intervene and push ahead with the zoning plans to allow investments to flow into the country.

"Whoever gets elected by the end of this year can't go on as we did by giving conditional permits to investors or dealing with exemptions. The place needs to be zoned for future purposes," he stressed.

"The government has plans to build a government housing town in the area in the upcoming years, so it will require the availability of businesses, and that has to be incorporated in the first stages and not later on," said Al Bakri.

Ministry officials were unavailable for comment when contacted by the GDN. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Bahrain | investment | Desert | develop |

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