Build on Bahrain’s real estate opportunity
Real estate in Bahrain is booming in communities across the Kingdom with developments springing up, attracting an increasing array of overseas property investments in large-scale commercial and residential projects. In addition, there is significant interest from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with many buyers coming from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. As a result, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) can find significant opportunities in developing communities in Bahrain.
5.3%
GDP contribution by real estate and business activities, Q3 2021
42,000
Housing units due to be delivered (Government Action Plan)
36%
Bahrain real estate transactions rose by 36% y-o-y, reaching BHD 226 mn in Q2 2021 compared to BHD 166 mn in Q1 2020, as reported by SLRB.
100% foreign ownership
Our commercial freedom gives you exceptional control over business decisions when making an international real estate investment. Bahrain is the only country in the Gulf where developers can benefit from 100% foreign ownership, making it one of the best places to invest in real estate in the region for investors from outside the GCC. Foreign ownership gives developers the room to grow and investors the room for success. What’s more, we impose no limitations on repatriation capital, profits and dividends for developers, making your decision to invest in our real estate sector all the more profitable.
7% gross rental yield
Bahrain’s rental market provides stable, steady income. Gross rental yield is among the highest in the GCC and a major reason for interest in our freehold market (REMI Global 2017), along with zero taxation on rent and property.
Proptech is the latest major opportunity to emerge in Bahrain from the wider digital transformation of the property sector. 2019 saw the arrival of Bahrain’s first Proptech company, Estater. Following in the footsteps of Zoopla and Rightmove, the Estater platform allows users to seamlessly navigate the Kingdom’s real estate environment.
RERA – setting the standard for real estate development
We are always looking for ways to increase confidence in international real estate investments for investors from a foreign country. RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) aims to ensure that Bahrain’s real estate market operates to high standards by delivering fair, effective regulation and prices. It works with the government and the industry to oversee the development of a long-term National Real Estate Policy to boost the sector, improve consumer protection and streamline real estate services.
Key real estate development programmes
The EDB supports and participates in the following programmes to enrich the real estate sector and increase real estate development opportunities for investors and property developers.
Developer roundtables
Promoting Bahrain’s real estate development as well as local and overseas property investment opportunities by building unique, sustainable, and diverse tourism offerings.
Investor forum
An annual forum for key GCC HNWIs, large family businesses, and institutional investors in order to highlight real estate investing and sales opportunities.
Legislative improvements
Continuous enhancement of the real estate sector’s regulatory framework by The Bahrain Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission.
Asset & project mapping
A national tourism asset and project mapping system is available via EDB Bahrain as a reference for local and foreign real estate investors.
Major upcoming Bahrain real estate developments and activity destinations
The tourism sector is a growing opportunity for international real estate investment in Bahrain. The Kingdom offers a wide variety of major tourism-related developments, with outstanding prospects for those looking to invest in construction. Here are just nine of the biggest.
King Hamad Causeway
Connecting Bahrain with Saudi Arabia in addition to the King Fahad Causeway, this is expected to reduce import costs by 30-50%.
Estimated value
$4 bilion
Estimated completion
2025
Dilmunia Island
Residential and mixed-use development with an emphasis on wellness and preventive healthcare.
Total gross floor area
approx. 1.8 million m2
Estimated value
$1.8 billion
Estimated completion
2022
Bahrain Bay
Landmark waterfront development in the heart of Manama that includes the Four Seasons and Wyndham Grand Manama hotels.
Estimated value
$2.5 billion
Estimated completion
2025
Diyar Al Muharraq
Fully-integrated modern city, built on seven islands with an urban centre the size of Lower Manhattan. Providing residential, hospitality, commercial, healthcare, education and retail opportunities, the project has more than 40 km of waterfront and will ultimately house around 100,000 people.
Estimated value
$3.2 billion
Estimated completion
2025
Al Zallaq Coastline
Al Jazayer Beach
Fairmont Hotel & Resort
Al Sahel Resort
Estimated value
$1.3 billion
Estimated completion
2022
Marassi Al Bahrain
A highly distinguished urban development situated on the shorelines of Diyar Al Muharraq. Set to become an illustrious entertainment and shopping destination filled with 4 and 5 star hotels, restaurants and cafes, park, high-rises and residential apartments.
Durrat Al Bahrain
Spanning 21 km2, this master-planned development is home to both residential and mixed use properties.
Hotels
Four Seasons
Ritz Carlton
Amwaj Rotana
Sofitel Al Zallaq
Jumeirah Saray
Novotel
Amwaj Islands
Waterfront property consisting of six islands near the coast of Muharraq boasting international hotel brands, restaurants and more.
Al Sahel Resort
Five-star resort comprised of 700,000 sqm of beachfront leisure, entertainment and tourist attractions
Bilaj Al Jazaer
A mixed-use recreational and tourism development on the southwestern coast of Bahrain set to host public beaches, leisure activities, lodging and shops.
Layan Resort Durrat Marina
A residential waterpark, the first of its kind, located in Durrat Marina. Layan will offer multiple residential floor plans as well as recreational facilities and shopping.
Meet the team
Whether you’re a local or international investor, our experts are ready to answer all of your questions about Bahrain’s real estate development opportunities.
