The Ministry of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning places significant emphasis on the development of walkways and their associated facilities across various regions of the Kingdom. These projects are designed to provide the highest possible level of recreational and public services in alignment with the Government Action Plan, Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, and the National Strategic Spatial Plan.
While the Ministry is committed to integrating walkways into most of its waterfront and central park projects to encourage residents to engage in physical activity, it has also launched several standalone development projects for walkways across all governorates. In recent years, the ministry has introduced solar energy systems into many of these projects—including walking tracks and parks—and has also implemented cooling systems in some tracks, all in line with the Ministry's strategy to adapt infrastructure to the climate and community needs.
The Ministry continues to implement its plan to transform walkways into sports and recreational hubs by equipping them with diverse exercise equipment, mist-based cooling systems, and rubberized walking tracks. Concurrently, it works to enhance the supporting infrastructure, ensuring citizens can enjoy a safe and healthy environment that encourages an active lifestyle.
In line with its strategic objectives, the Ministry has completed over 20 walkways throughout the Kingdom, many of which include waterfront features. Additionally, the majority of large parks are now equipped with walking tracks, and a developmental plan is underway to upgrade numerous walkways, public parks, and facilities.
The Ministry’s upcoming plans include converting existing tracks into rubberized walkways, expanding green spaces, and focusing on planting shade-providing and eco-friendly trees. Other initiatives include increasing the number of public amenities and installing fitness equipment, children’s play areas, mist-cooling systems, and Wi-Fi access. The Ministry also aims to involve the private sector in future development efforts.
Cooling and Solar-Powered Lighting Systems
Among the notable projects in Muharraq is the Al-Busaiteen Seafront Walkway, the first of its kind in strategic waterfront development and sustainability. Powered by clean, renewable energy, the 2-kilometer walkway features approximately 80 pieces of fitness equipment, along with a variety of recreational and service facilities, including family rest areas, green spaces, restaurants, and parking for over 400 vehicles. The project also included the construction of a 3-kilometer access road in the Sayaah area to improve public accessibility. It aims to promote domestic tourism and provide a new recreational destination for Bahraini families.
The Ministry has also implemented a mist-cooling system at Arad Fort Walkway, which spans 50,000 square meters near Seef Mall in Muharraq. The area features children’s play zones and waterfront views. Other walkways in Muharraq include Khalifa Al-Kabeer Walkway, located along Khalifa Al-Kabeer Avenue and stretching one kilometer; the Al-Busaiteen Housing Walkway at 600 meters; the Doha Arad Walkway; and the newly developed Diving Walkway, which is 600 meters long and lies between Shaikh Isa and Shaikh Hamad bridges. The site is used for festivals and events.
Additional walkways include Al Dair and Samaheej Walkway, located along the Muharraq Ring Road, featuring exercise equipment, play areas, and palm trees with shaded areas. The Qalali Walkway, located opposite Dilmunia Island, has been outfitted with solar-powered lighting and fitness equipment, with further enhancements planned.
Attractive Waterfront Destinations
The Capital Governorate boasts several prominent walkway projects. The first phase of the Tubli Walkway has been completed, occupying a prime waterfront location along Tubli Bay. It spans 4,657 square meters and includes a 400-meter-long leisure promenade with landscaped areas and family seating. Preparations for the second phase are underway.
The Sitra Bridge Walkway, a key attraction due to its strategic waterfront position, is two kilometers long and features green spaces, palm trees, diverse plantings, two children’s play areas, fitness zones, restrooms, and food and beverage kiosks.
Saud Al-Faisal Walkway, located in northern Juffair, extends 1,500 meters and is equipped with fitness machines. The recently completed Ma’ameer Walkway spans 720 square meters and includes family seating areas, greenery, palm trees, children’s play zones, and public facilities. All these walkways are scheduled for future upgrades.
Another project, the Umm Al-Hassam Walkway in Manama, offers exceptional views of Tubli Bay. It is 1,421 meters long and five meters wide, covering a total area of 10,127 square meters. The facility features synthetic turf, 20 fitness machines, 40 rest benches, and solar-powered lighting poles.
Neighborhood Walkways with Enhanced Services
In the Northern Governorate, completed walkways include the A’ali Walking Track, which spans 23,175 square meters and includes a one-kilometer rubberized path, shaded play zones, fitness equipment, a football field with synthetic turf, and solar-powered lighting.
The Abu Subh Coastal Walkway features a 770-meter loop over an area of 45,164.5 square meters and includes both open and covered play zones with sandy and rubber flooring. It also hosts annual cultural heritage events and connects to the northern waterfront harbor.
In Hamad Town, a walkway was inaugurated in Block 1206 in June 2014. It features a one-kilometer loop over 10,000 square meters, with shaded seating, public amenities, and parking. Another walkway in Block 1209, completed in September 2016, spans 612 meters and includes fitness zones. Block 1211’s walkway, opened in May 2017, offers a similar track and amenities, including shaded fitness and play areas, a commercial kiosk, and rest seating. A’ali’s walkway, first launched in April 2003, spans 23,000 square meters and includes rubber play areas, a synthetic football field, fitness equipment, kiosks and seating areas.
Rubberized Walkways in the Southern Governorate
The Southern Governorate has also seen significant developments. Four walkways have been constructed, including the Riffa Walkway in Block 942, covering 35,700 square meters with children's play areas and landscaped zones.
The Jaw Walkway in Block 960 includes a 2,250-square-meter rest area and a 1,350-square-meter sports field, alongside play zones and landscaping.
Al-Estiqlal Walkway in East Riffa (Block 934) spans 35,461 square meters and features a globally compliant rubber surface for exercise. It includes a football field with synthetic turf, a basketball court, shaded play areas, and rubber safety flooring.
Lastly, the Isa Town Walkway in Block 809 spans 12,414 square meters and includes extensive fitness facilities. It has been refurbished with new play equipment and rubber flooring to enhance safety and comfort for users.