Work on a new youth hostel in Bahrain's Sanabis area is nearing completion. The hostel building is ready and workers are now concentrating on walkways and related external works. The Works and Housing Ministry has also approved an approach road leading to the hostel.

Bahrain Youth Hostels Society vice-president Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa said that the next step was to furnish the building.

"We expect the furnishing contract to be tendered before the end of this month and the hostel should be open in about two or three months' time."

The BD258,000 ($685,000) project will include a multi-purpose hall, a kitchen and 16 bedrooms with an attached toilet. There will also be an administration block, reception areas and a dining area. Special facilities will be available for the disabled.