Headed by the chief executive officer of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), Nader Al Moayyed, the Manama Souq Development Committee held its eighth meeting on February 5 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

The agenda of the meeting covered several topics including the approval of the previous meeting minutes and reviewing the latest developments of the Manama Souq project. The project aims to maintain and preserve the authentic and traditional identity of the market, but ensuring it is maintained up to a modern standard, this includes changing the signage and shopfronts. Once completed, the revamped souq will also facilitate the flow of traffic.

The edifice works include the revamping of the facades of dilapidated buildings, renovating the signage and storefronts of 275 shops located on four main streets in the Souq, which include Bab Al Bahrain Avenue, Sheikh Abdulla Avenue, Al Tijjar Avenue as well as the Crown Prince Avenue.

“BTEA is closely following the progress and development of the Manama Souq project to ensure that it continues to be implemented in a seamless manner and being carried out to the highest international standards. The work includes unifying the design of storefronts and the maintenance of the buildings to maintain their traditional style. All of these efforts are aimed at preserving the old Souq given its importance as an authentic tourist destination and historical landmark in the Kingdom of Bahrain,” said Al Moayed.

The meetings are held on a periodic basis, and involve all concerned parties, in order to discuss the latest developments of this pioneering project, which aims to revitalise the tourism sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain and increase its contribution to the national economy.

The Manama Souq Development Committee comprises of representatives from the Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Urban Planning and Development Authority, Economic Development Board, Capital Municipality, Capital Secretariat Council as well as a number of Manama Souq traders.

BTEA is working closely with the government entities and private authorities involved in the development of the Manama Souq project, which comes in line with BTEA’s efforts to enhance one of the most popular souqs in the kingdom with the aim of providing a renewed experience for visitors touring this vital landmark. - TradeArabia News Service