ADFD invests Dhs23bn in 33 projects in Bahrain

The longstanding partnership between the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and Bahrain continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the island nation’s economic ambitions.

Since 1974, this strategic collaboration has supported Bahrain’s vision for sustainable development, contributing a total of Dhs23bn across 33 major projects in key sectors such as housing, health, energy, and transport.

The ADFD’s investment in Bahrain’s infrastructure and development reflects a shared commitment to the goals outlined in Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030.

This initiative not only enhances the country’s fiscal stability but also fosters long-term economic growth, providing vital support to the government’s fiscal balance programme for 2023 and 2024.

Sustained collaboration for growth in Bahrain

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of ADFD, highlighted the enduring strength of the partnership, congratulating the Bahraini leadership and citizens on the nation’s National Day. In a statement, he emphasised the importance of the 50-year-old relationship, calling it a “unique model of development cooperation.”

“This partnership has resulted in significant achievements across many economic sectors, contributing to the comprehensive development that benefits Bahraini society,” Al Suwaidi said.

He also underscored the success of the Gulf Development Fund, a key programme approved in 2013, which continues to align with Bahrain’s development goals and provides crucial support for sustainable growth.

The ADFD-funded projects span a diverse range of sectors, addressing the country’s most pressing development needs and improving the quality of life for its citizens. Some of the most notable projects include:

Housing initiatives

• Salman City Housing Project (Dhs1.9bn): This landmark project directly addresses housing shortages by constructing 2,400 units. The first phase, which opened in December 2024, includes 1,382 modern housing units designed to meet current demand.
• East Sitra Land Reclamation Project (Dhs914m): Aiming to create 4,500 housing units, this land reclamation project is a key milestone in expanding Bahrain’s residential capacity.

Healthcare advancements

• Mohammed Bin Khalifa Specialized Cardiac Center  (Dhs37m: This new facility improves heart disease treatment domestically, reducing reliance on foreign healthcare and bolstering Bahrain’s health sector with state-of-the-art services.

Transport infrastructure

• Bahrain International Airport Development  (Dhs3.7bn): With plans to increase passenger capacity to 14 million annually, this expansion will reinforce Bahrain’s status as a regional transport hub and support tourism growth.
• Sheikh Zayed Road Expansion  (Dhs337m): Designed to alleviate traffic congestion, this project will enhance the road’s capacity, accommodating up to 50,000 vehicles daily.

 Water and environmental projects

• Water Transmission Network Development  (Dhs187m): This initiative ensures sustainable water resources by establishing two new storage and pumping stations to meet growing residential and industrial demand.
• Northern City Sewage Treatment (Dhs415m): A critical environmental project that focuses on sewage treatment for agricultural irrigation, balancing urban expansion with the preservation of natural resources.

The partnership between ADFD and Bahrain exemplifies the power of Gulf cooperation in fostering regional development.

The projects funded by ADFD not only align with Bahrain’s national priorities but also create jobs, improve public services, and enhance the quality of life for Bahraini citizens.