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Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH)

Bahrain

1970 - 1970
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Project Description

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The Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) is a large-scale, mixed-use waterfront development in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. It aims to attract regional and international financial institutions  by offering advanced infrastructure and a world-class environment.
The vision of Bahrain Financial Harbour is to position Bahrain as the financial capital of the Middle East by creating a state-of-the-art environment.

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To achieve its vision, a master plan was proposed, spanning 380,000 square meters of seafront property. It includes 30 development parcels, featuring high-rise buildings, the Financial Centre, Bahrain International Insurance Centre (BIIC), residential units, retail and leisure outlets, a marina, and a luxury hotel, all connected by waterfront promenades. This broad plan ensures the integration of finance, residential, and leisure spaces, leveraging modern urban planning and large-scale construction, supported by policies that prioritize financial sector development.
BFH is located in Bahrain Harbour, along the coastline, between Bahrain Bay and Reef Island, offering unparalleled connectivity to Bahrain International Airport (10 minutes away) and the King Fahd Causeway to Saudi Arabia (15 minutes away). It is also close to key business districts like Seef District (3 km west) and the Diplomatic Area (1.5 km east), supporting its role as a gateway to regional and global markets. The development is integrated with well-connected roads, pedestrian walkways, water taxis, and open public spaces.
The BFH integrates financial services, residential, retail, and entertainment sectors. Key features of BFH include high-rise office towers, luxury residential areas, retail outlets, a marina, and entertainment facilities. The infrastructure is designed for seamless accessibility and functionality, featuring a financial district with innovative office spaces and support services, residential and commercial zones with high-rise luxury apartments, retail outlets, dining establishments, and waterfront development with a marina and promenade.
The beneficiaries of BFH are local residents, especially those in Harbour Row, financial institutions in Bahrain and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), international visitors such as tourists and business professionals, and workers involved in the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Harbour’s components.
BFH is led by the Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company, supported by partnerships with global contractors and consultants. The Gulf Finance House (GFH) Group leads residential and commercial development, while Al Hamad Construction & Development Company and Ahmed Mansour Al Aali Co. manage construction and reclamation, with regulatory oversight provided by the Bahrain Monetary Agency and other government institutions.

  • The BFH was implemented in several key phases:
    Phase I (2004–2007): The Financial Centre, including the Dual Towers, Financial Mall, and Harbour House, began construction in March 2004 with a $270 million budget. Led by Al Hamad Construction & Development Company, it was completed in 2007.
  • Phase II (2004–2006): Infrastructure development involved reclaiming approximately 240,000 m² of land to expand the waterfront area. The construction, awarded to Ahmed Mansour Al Aali Co. in June 2004, was completed in March 2006.
  • Phase III (2006–2009): BIIC and additional development involved constructing the 22-story, dedicated to Bahrain’s conventional and Islamic insurance sectors, completed in mid-2006, with the remaining in early 2009.
    (2011-Ongoing): Operational Expansion saw BFH’s development begin with Harbour Towers, Harbour Gate, and Harbour Row residents, hotels, and other facilities. Some areas are still being developed.

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