Bahrain Moves to Fast-Track Major Highway Project

Bahrain is preparing to launch the next phase of expansion for one of its most important transport corridors, the Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Highway, with the project expected to move to tender stage once royal approval of the financing agreement is secured.

Works Minister Ibrahim Al Hawaj confirmed to the Shura Council that preparations are underway for the new phase, which will cover the stretch between Nuwaidrat and Ma’ameer. The announcement followed the council’s unanimous approval of a draft law ratifying the framework agreement between the Government of Bahrain and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development to finance the project.

The agreement, attached to Decree No. 30 of 2025, has now been referred to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification.

The highway development, valued at approximately USD 341 million (BD128.6 million), is considered one of Bahrain’s largest road infrastructure projects.

The first phase of the development has already been completed. The Alba Junction project transformed the Alba and Nuwaidrat roundabouts into multi-level interchanges designed to ease traffic congestion across the surrounding industrial zones.

Al Hawaj emphasised that infrastructure investment remains a key priority for the kingdom as it seeks to strengthen connectivity between major economic districts.

The Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Highway is one of the key transport corridors linking the Capital Governorate with industrial areas and other parts of the kingdom,” he said. “The project includes comprehensive infrastructure improvements such as rainwater drainage systems, traffic signs and lighting to enhance safety and efficiency.

According to the Shura Council’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman Khalid Al Maskati, the expansion will significantly improve traffic capacity and support the country’s economic growth.

“The expansion of Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Highway is one of the kingdom’s most important infrastructure projects,” he said.

It will increase the road’s capacity by expanding it from three lanes to four lanes in each direction and developing five major intersections with flyovers.

The 11-kilometre corridor runs between the Um Al Hassam intersection and the Nuwaidrat junction and serves a number of industrial, residential and commercial districts.

Al Maskati noted that the highway plays a strategic role in connecting Manama with Sitra, Ma’ameer, Eker and the Nuwaidrat industrial zone, while also providing access to key economic facilities including Bapco Refining and Alba.

“This project will serve industrial, residential and commercial areas along the corridor and will facilitate the movement of passengers and goods while reducing congestion and travel times,” he added.

Shura Council financial committee vice-chairman and rapporteur Redha Faraj highlighted the favourable financing terms secured through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

“The loan terms are highly concessional compared with commercial borrowing,” he explained.

“The agreement provides financing through seven annual loans of 10m Kuwaiti dinars each, up to a total of 70m Kuwaiti dinars.”

The funding package will cover approximately 66 percent of the project’s total cost, with the remaining USD 113 million (BD42.7 million) to be financed through Bahrain’s state budget.

During the council debate, services committee vice-chairman Talal Al Mannai described the highway expansion as one of Bahrain’s most significant transport upgrades and proposed the inclusion of a heavy truck weighing station as part of the infrastructure improvements.

He noted that such facilities help enforce transport regulations, protect heavy vehicles and maintain fair competition within the logistics sector.

“They are an essential element in managing land transport and are present on major highways in neighbouring Gulf countries and many parts of the world,” he added.

Once completed, the project is expected to significantly enhance traffic efficiency across one of Bahrain’s busiest transport routes, supporting both economic activity and the movement of goods between key industrial areas.