Bahrain’s Masar Group, a portfolio company of sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat, has signed an agreement with Ithmaar Development Company to manage and operate Dilmunia Marina.
The agreement marks a major step in Masar Group’s expansion into marine facility management and operations, while supporting the development of Dilmunia Island as a waterfront destination offering marine transport, tourism, leisure and maritime services.
The announcement was made at the fourth edition of Gateway Gulf being hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB).
Located on the northern side of Dilmunia Island, Dilmunia Marina will offer opportunities for docking, water sports, and leisure activities it spans over a water area of 15,000 sq m and a land facility over 8,723 sqm that has been designed to accommodate 121 boats and yachts.
The facility includes 68 berths for boats up to 13m in length, dry storage facilities accommodating 53 boats, and 10 dedicated berths for personal watercraft.
The project also features 580m of modular floating pontoons, alongside a public promenade surrounding the marina basin, creating an integrated marine environment that combines specialized services with leisure facilities.
Under the agreement, Masar will be responsible for managing and operating the marina and developing an integrated range of services and facilities to meet the needs of boat and yacht owners and visitors.
These will include a dedicated members’ lounge, a marine training center, and a water transport boat station. The Group will also leverage innovative maritime technologies and solutions to enhance operational efficiency, improve service quality, and deliver integrated customer experience.
The marina is expected to commence operations in December 2026, contributing to the diversification of marine and leisure services in the Kingdom of Bahrain, supporting the growth of marine tourism, and
marine and leisure services in the Kingdom of Bahrain, supporting the growth of marine tourism, and advancing the development of coastal infrastructure. This initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s ambitions to strengthen its tourism sector and reinforce its position as a regional destination for specialized maritime activities and services.
Speaking on the occasion, Eng. Yousif Khalifa Al Manea, Chief Executive Officer of Masar Group, said: "We are pleased to sign the agreement to manage and operate Dilmunia Marina, which represents an important milestone in Masar Group’s strategy to expand its presence in the management and operation of marine facilities and contribute to the development of integrated marine destinations across the Kingdom of Bahrain."
"Through this agreement, we look forward to developing an advanced range of marine and leisure services and leveraging innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency and elevate customer experience, supporting the growth of marine tourism and strengthening the Kingdom’s position in this vital sector," he stated.
"Dilmunia Marina has promising potential to become a valuable addition to Bahrain’s marine infrastructure, offering diverse facilities and services that cater to the needs of boat and yacht owners and visitors. This agreement reaffirms Masar’s commitment to developing effective strategic partnerships and delivering sustainable operational solutions that create added value for coastal developments and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic and tourism development," he added.
Commenting on the deal, Nayef Naser Al Naser, Managing Director and Board Member at Ithmaar Development, said: "Dilmunia Marina represents a promising development that will contribute to strengthening Bahrain’s marine tourism and leisure offering through facilities and services that support the development of waterfront destinations and enhance the visitor experience."
"We believe in the importance of collaborating with specialized operators to develop and manage projects in accordance with high standards of quality and efficiency, ensuring that the project’s potential is fully realized and its added value maximised," he noted.
"We look forward to our partnership with Masar Group contributing to the successful realization of the project’s objectives and enhancing Dilmunia Island’s appeal as an integrated destination for marine and leisure activities. This collaboration reflects the aspirations of the tourism sector and supports Bahrain’s continued development," he added.
According to Masar, the agreement forms part of broader efforts to develop marine facilities and enhance the integration of related services, supporting the growth of marine tourism and leisure while creating opportunities to deliver distinctive experiences for visitors and boat and yacht owners.
It also reflects the commitment of Masar Group and Ithmaar Development to strengthening collaboration in coastal development and contributing to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for specialized maritime services and activities, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
