Manama, Bahrain - Edamah has agreed a co-investment and development framework with Saudi developer Retal Urban Development Company for a phased mixed-use project of more than 700 residential and retail units at Bilaj Al Jazayer, Retal’s first step into Bahrain’s property market.
The two companies signed the framework at the fourth edition of Gateway Gulf, staged at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay from 1 to 2 November 2026. The invitation-only investment forum is hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development Board, and four projects worth $3.89 billion received Golden Licences at the same event.
Edamah, formally Bahrain Real Estate Investment, invests in property for Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company (Mumtalakat). Retal is listed on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) and is described in the announcement as one of Saudi Arabia’s leading real estate developers.
Under the agreement, Edamah and Retal set out the terms on which they intend to invest in, develop and manage the project together within the Bilaj Al Jazayer masterplan. According to the announcement, the partnership adds regional investment and development expertise to the destination and strengthens its offer for living, tourism and leisure.
Khaled A.Rahman AlMajed, Chief Executive Officer of Edamah, said: “This framework with Retal is an important step forward in the development of the Bilaj Al Jazayer masterplan. Working with leading regional developers who bring proven delivery and investment capabilities allows us to accelerate the masterplan’s next phases and attract new investment that will drive progress in the masterplan and strengthen its appeal to residents, visitors and investors. It also reflects the high quality of opportunities available to current and prospective investors in Bahrain’s real estate sector, and the value of strategic partners in delivering projects with lasting economic impact.”
AlMajed also said the partnership shows how deep the economic and investment links between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia run, and that it creates fresh room for developers from the two kingdoms to work together.
Eng. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of Retal Urban Development Company, said: “This framework is a strategic milestone in Retal’s regional expansion and our first investment step into Bahrain. We look forward to bringing Retal’s experience in integrated developments to deliver a distinctive project within Bilaj Al Jazayer that meets market demand and modern urban living standards. We see Bahrain as a promising market with attractive investment opportunities, and we aim to build on this collaboration to explore further opportunities together.”
The companies said the deal is part of a broader push to grow joint Bahraini-Saudi investment and to give private companies, regional developers and investors a bigger part in major projects. They said this backs economic diversification, the creation of jobs and growth in industries tied to real estate development, while making Bahrain more attractive to investors.
Edamah counts Bilaj Al Jazayer among the flagship projects in its portfolio and describes it as Bahrain’s largest integrated beachfront destination, with public beaches, hotels, leisure and mixed-use housing brought together under one masterplan. The scheme is aligned with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 and is intended to draw residents and visitors while supporting growth in tourism and hospitality.
On its website, Edamah lists Bilaj Al Jazayer as under development, covering 1.6 million square metres along Bahrain’s southwest coast around a 3km beach.
