In implementation of the Royal Directive of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to preserve the Kingdom's historical and cultural identity, restore Isa Al Kabeer Palace, and develop Muharraq while safeguarding its historical and cultural character, and under the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to activate the executive plan for the Muharraq City Development, Eskan Bank, in coordination with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), has announced the launch of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investment opportunities for heritage properties within the Muharraq City Development.
The initiative reflects the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment to encouraging sustainable investment that supports the preservation of its architectural heritage through active private sector participation, revitalizes historic districts, and contributes to long-term economic development.
The investment programme focuses on a portfolio of heritage properties located within the Muharraq City Development and along with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pearling Path. The selected properties have been identified for adaptive reuse across a range of carefully considered functions that complement their historic character, including boutique hospitality projects, cultural and creative spaces, artisan retail outlets, cafés and restaurants, co-working spaces, and community-focused initiatives. Collectively, these developments aim to revitalize the historic neighborhood, preserve its authentic architectural identity, and stimulate sustainable economic activity.
On this occasion, Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning and Chairperson of Eskan Bank, said: "Eskan Bank has developed these investment opportunities in line with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, enabling investors to participate in projects that generate sustainable economic value while contributing to the preservation of Bahrain's cultural heritage, supporting community development, and advancing sustainable urban regeneration."
She added: "Making these heritage properties available for responsible private sector investment will contribute to preserving Bahrain's architectural and cultural identity, revitalizing historic neighborhoods, and creating vibrant destinations that strengthen community engagement while supporting economic growth."
For his part, Abdulla Taleb, General Manager of Eskan Bank, said: "The launch of these investment opportunities reflects the Bank's role in facilitating and promoting investment opportunities in coordination with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities."
He added: "Built on ESG principles, these investment opportunities enable investors to contribute to projects that deliver commercial value alongside lasting social impact, while preserving Bahrain's architectural and cultural identity, strengthening the Kingdom's cultural and tourism sectors, and creating facilities that serve the local community. We look forward to collaborating with investors who share our vision of preserving Bahrain's heritage while advancing sustainable urban development."