The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) has announced the initiation of a tender process for the restoration of Bu Maher Fort, a key part of the Pearling Path World Heritage site. This initiative has drawn interest from four companies, with bids ranging from BD150,000 to BD280,000. The project aims to refurbish the fort’s structure, enhance its protection, and improve visitor access, including the construction of a new pedestrian bridge. The goal is to make the historical site more accessible to visitors while preserving its cultural significance.
Bu Maher Fort, established in 1840, played a crucial role in Bahrain’s pearling industry as a primary harbor and trade control point. Today, it offers a glimpse into the heritage of Bahrain’s pearl divers and traders. The Visitor’s Centre at Bu Maher Fort serves as the starting point of the Pearling Path journey, featuring interactive exhibits on pearling history and the associated communities. The planned improvements to the fort include installing a protective roof for the tower and providing safer, more accessible floor slabs, as well as the construction of a pedestrian bridge to facilitate land access.
The restoration of Bu Maher Fort is essential for preserving Bahrain’s cultural legacy and ensuring the site remains relevant and appealing to visitors. BACA has emphasized the importance of bidders having at least three years of construction experience and a history of similar projects, with detailed information required in the technical bid. The Tender Board is currently reviewing the bids, and the contractor announcement and project commencement are expected soon, with a contract duration of nine months. This restoration project is a significant step towards conserving Bahrain’s rich history and heritage for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
