Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) has been selected by Bahrain to develop a set of comprehensive national planning strategies aimed at enhancing the country’s quality of growth while protecting and enhancing its natural resources.

The team assembled by the internationally renowned design firm will assist Bahrain in preparing a national planning strategy that addresses and integrates the country’s physical, economic, social and environmental development. The effort will also encompass cultural and educational issues.
The national development planning strategies are divided into five parts.
The physical strategy would organise and direct Bahrain’s urban growth and the kingdom’s changing economic profile, according to SOM. The allocation of public infrastructure resources to encourage new investment would be addressed. The effort would also plan for the creation of a series of great cities and towns that would offer the highest quality of life. The measure would seek to create a clear and transparent system of land ownership and development rights.
Under the environmental strategy, air, water and land would be conserved and protected. The effort would seek to improve water quality, repair environmental damage and set the highest standards for the future. The plan would allow Bahrain to become a model for the Gulf region and Middle East.
The plan’s economic strategy would build on the value of Bahrain’s current natural resources, identify energy-related business sectors that can be developed and continue to grow regardless of the level of local reserves, according to SOM. The effort would also identify new sectors on which future economic growth can be based.
The other strategies to be developed include social development strategy and the implementation strategy.
The SOM-led multi-disciplinary team will work closely with the Ministry of Works and Housing and other agencies.