Bahrain’s Long-Stalled Marina West Development Set for Public Auction

Manama, Bahrain – October 14, 2025: After nearly 16 years of uncertainty, Marina West, one of Bahrain’s most prominent stalled real estate projects, is finally set to be auctioned following a decision by the Committee for Stalled Real Estate Projects.

The government body confirmed that the project, which has been dormant since 2010, will go under the hammer, with full auction details to be announced at a later date. The decision, published in the Official Gazette under “Decision No. 2 of 2015 (Marina West)”, follows years of failed negotiations to revive the $750 million waterfront development.

Government Decision Follows Years of Delays

According to the committee, the move came after the rejection of a request from the developer’s representative, who had sought an additional grace period to address the project’s delays.

“After reviewing the developer’s request in light of a project stalled for more than 10 years, all avenues for amicable resolution were exhausted,” the committee stated. “It was proven that the developer lacked the capability to manage the project, having failed to submit an acceptable recovery plan within the legally prescribed timeframe.”

The decision also noted that no new developer had stepped forward to take over Marina West, given its scale and the complexity of its debt obligations. The committee concluded that selling the project through a public auction is now the most viable course of action.

A project hearing has been postponed until October 20, when the final terms and sale date will be determined.

A Long-Awaited Resolution for Investors

Marina West was launched in 2007 as a landmark $750 million mixed-use beachfront development located off Budaiya Highway. Spread across 345,000 square meters, the master plan envisioned 11 residential towers, a five-star hotel, and retail and leisure zones.

However, construction abruptly halted in March 2010, with the developer AAJ Holdings Company blaming the global financial crisis. Despite multiple revival attempts between 2015 and 2016, the project remained inactive.

Hundreds of investors including Bahrainis and international buyers, had purchased units, investing between BD83,000 and BD200,000 (approximately $220,000–$530,000) per apartment.

A feasibility study conducted in 2016 indicated that the project was still financially viable, requiring approximately BD85 million ($225 million) to complete.

A Symbolic Turning Point for Bahrain’s Real Estate Sector

The Marina West case has long been emblematic of Bahrain’s efforts to address stalled developments and restore investor confidence. Officials have previously stated that projects such as Marina West faced challenges due to complex debt structures and competing creditor claims.

With the upcoming public auction, the government aims to finally bring closure to one of the Kingdom’s most prolonged real estate disputes, and possibly pave the way for a renewed chapter in Bahrain’s property sector.