Bahrain - The second phase of a major revamp project on one of Bahrain’s oldest suqs is nearly complete.

The Manama Suq development project, which began last year, aims to restore the heritage character of the market and preserving its authentic and traditional identity while giving it a modern look.

The project also includes renovating the signage and store-fronts of 275 shops located on four main streets in the suq which are Bab Al Bahrain Avenue, Shaikh Abdulla Avenue, Al Tijjar Avenue and Crown Prince Avenue while also installing a wi-fi network in the suq.

Details were revealed during the ninth meeting of the Manama Suq Development Committee which was held remotely and chaired by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority chief executive Nader Almoayyed.

“BTEA is closely following the progress and development of the Manama Suq project to ensure that it continues to be implemented in a seamless manner and being carried out at the highest international standards,” said Mr Almoayyed on the occasion.

“The work includes unifying the design of storefronts and the maintenance of the buildings to maintain their traditional style.“All our efforts are aimed at preserving the old suq given its importance as an authentic tourist destination and historical landmark in Bahrain.”

The GDN previously reported in November last year that the revamp had begun with an upgrade of the façade and signage of stores and roads as part of the plan seeking to maintain the traditional style with a modern look.

The facelift comes as the Old Town Manama is vying for World Heritage Site status as it was named on a tentative list to be considered for Unesco nomination alongside two other sites – Hawar Islands and the Awali Oil Settlement.

The BD6 million facelift of the suq was first announced in 2016 with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Industry, Commerce and Tourism Ministry each pledging BD3m over three years.

Once finished, the revamped suq will also facilitate the flow of traffic.

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