Bahrain’s push to expand its marina sector

Across the Gulf region, countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have drawn attention with large-scale, high-profile marina developments. Yet while these projects dominate headlines, Bahrain has been steadily advancing its own yachting infrastructure, with developments such as Bahrain Marina signalling a strategic and deliberate effort to position the country as a more appealing destination for yacht tourism.

Bahrain is an archipelago located in the Arabian Gulf, to the east of Saudi Arabia. Known in Arabic as “the two seas”, its name refers to the unique environment where freshwater springs emerge within saline seabeds. The country comprises approximately 84 islands, including 33 natural and 51 artificial islands.

In this feature, Marina World explores Bahrain’s existing marina infrastructure, the developments currently under way, and how the country is positioning itself to attract more visiting yachts while supporting the broader growth of marine tourism.‍

Operational marina facilities in Bahrain‍

Bahrain is home to several marina facilities, although definitions vary depending on size and range of services offered. United Marine Trading (UMT), a Bahrain-based company and long-standing partner of Poralu Marine, has played a central role in delivering marina infrastructure, contributing to the majority of recent developments across the country.

According to Bassam Hajj, General Manager at UMT, “Bahrain currently hosts a number of marinas catering to a diverse range of recreational vessels, from small leisure craft to luxury yachts. The main operational marinas offer berthing facilities for vessels typically ranging from 10-50 metres in length. Many provide full services, including refuelling, maintenance and shore-side amenities, while catering to both local boat owners and visiting regional yachts.”

Hajj noted that most operational marinas in Bahrain are not designed to accommodate large superyachts. “It would be inaccurate to say that Bahrain currently caters to large superyachts. The majority of operational marinas are designed for vessels up to 30 metres in length. At present, only one marina has the capacity to accommodate a limited number of yachts up to 50 metres,” he said.

The latest marina under development, Bahrain Marina, is expected to become operational in the first quarter of 2026 and will expand the country’s infrastructure capacity to host larger yachts.

The table below outlines Bahrain’s operational marinas, including the number of berths and the typical size range they accommodate.

‍Inside the development of Bahrain Marina  

Set along the eastern shoreline of Manama and developed by the Bahrain Marina Development Company (BMDC), Bahrain Marina spans more than 250,000 square metres. The project is envisioned as a new focal point for coastal and urban development in the capital, combining luxury residential units, retail, leisure and marine infrastructure.

UMT has been appointed as the main contractor for the marina infrastructure, overseeing the design and installation of Poralu Marine floating docks and Rolec service pedestals. Outlining UMT’s role, Hajj stated: “We have been actively involved in the Bahrain Marina project from its early planning stages. Our scope includes design and build of the pontoons, MEP systems, anchoring and CCTV, in addition to providing project management support throughout the marina build-up.”

The facility will accommodate up to 167 yachts and vessels of up to 50 metres in length, along with 42 jet ski berths and a fuel station. These works form part of the first phase of the project, which also includes the Marina Club, a waterfront venue for sports, leisure and social activities.

Hajj explained that the marina contract was awarded in January 2025, with final design approvals and pontoon fabrication following shortly thereafter. The first pontoons were delivered to the site in August 2025. “Based on the current schedule and progress, it is correct to anticipate that the marina will be operational in Q1 2026,” he emphasised. “By this time, the key berthing, infrastructure and amenity components are expected to be fully functional, allowing the marina to welcome both local and international yacht visitors.”

Hisham Almoayyed, Acting CEO of Bahrain Marina, noted: “This project is close to our hearts and I’m proud to see it taking shape as a new standard for marina developments in the region. We’re not only building berths and facilities, we’re creating a lifestyle destination for yacht owners and visitors. With its location on Manama’s shoreline, Bahrain Marina offers direct access to nearby islands and regional waters, making it a natural hub for marine travel. Just as importantly, the marina is part of a larger community with residential, retail and hospitality spaces, which means it will be alive and active all year round.”

Cedric Le Rest, Marina Management and Consulting (MM&C) Director at Wearth Group, which is supporting the project operationally, described Bahrain Marina as a "destination marina" currently under development. "It will offer a full mix of amenities including a yacht club, a beach and mixed-use commercial and retail space, with real estate positioned directly behind the waterfront. The aim is to create a lifestyle-driven environment tailored to modern yachting needs," he said.

Le Rest noted that Wearth Group is supporting the project through its pre-opening and operational planning phases. “Our mission is to guide Bahrain Marina through the lead-up to opening. At the moment, we are working on several key areas,” he said.

Wearth Group is currently focused on laying the operational groundwork ahead of the marina’s opening. This includes finalising HR policies, preparing recruitment plans and drafting all necessary procedures. “We are developing the sales and marketing strategy, covering pricing, release timelines and positioning,” he stated. “At the same time, we are drafting the operations manual and all related procedures to ensure the marina is ready to operate efficiently from day one.”

Once the infrastructure is delivered by UMT and the first vessel arrives, Le Rest added, the team will shift to the post-opening phase. “That is when we move from planning to execution, implementing everything we have designed and starting to engage directly with clients on the dock.”

Establishing Bahrain as a more attractive yachting destination‍

In relation to Bahrain’s marina developments, Hajj acknowledged that they align broadly with the country’s long-term strategic goals. “It is, in a way, part of Bahrain’s Vision 2030,” he noted, referring to the government’s economic diversification plan, which places tourism at its core. He went on to highlight Bahrain’s longstanding connection with neighbouring Gulf countries: “Bahrain has always been a hub for people from across the GCC. Many have homes here and visit regularly,” he said. “For GCC people, Bahrain is like their second house.”

Almoayyed added: “Bahrain Marina is designed to open a new chapter for water tourism in the Kingdom. With first-class facilities and carefully curated activities, we want to set a fresh standard for sea-based leisure and attract visitors from across the Gulf and further afield. The project directly supports Bahrain’s Vision 2030 and reflects our ambition to place the Kingdom at the forefront of marine tourism in the region. Thanks to our partnerships with UMT and MM&C, we are confident that Bahrain Marina will meet the highest international standards and deliver a memorable experience for every guest.”

Le Rest expanded on this point, observing that there is a wider effort to promote Bahrain as a tourist destination. “It is already well known among regional travellers, especially from Saudi Arabia, which is just an hour’s drive away via the causeway,” he added. “Qatar is about an hour away by boat, and Kuwait is also not far. Their marinas are already at full capacity, which shows a clear demand for additional berthing. While Bahrain benefits from a strong base of regional tourism, maritime tourism is an area the authorities are now actively looking to develop.”

Le Rest also pointed to recent regulatory reforms as part of Bahrain’s broader ambition to become a more attractive yachting destination. Under Ministerial Edict (9) of 2025, the process for obtaining navigation permits has been simplified for visiting non-commercial, foreign-flagged leisure vessels. These yachts can now apply directly to the Ports and Maritime Affairs Directorate, removing the previous requirement to engage a local shipping agent.

‍Outlook for Bahrain’s marina sector over the next decade‍

Both Bassam Hajj and Le Rest expressed optimism about the future of marina development in Bahrain. Hajj indicated that a new marina project is expected to be announced soon, with additional developments already in the pipeline.

Le Rest suggested that Bahrain has the potential to follow a similar path to other Gulf countries. “If you look at what some of the other countries in the region have achieved since the early 2000s, they’ve developed a significant number of marinas,” he said. “Bahrain has the capacity and the coastal space to do the same. Looking ahead, I believe we will see more marinas being developed across the country.”

This article was also published in issue 151 of Marina World magazine. Click here to read the online version.