Bahrain is set to spend $22 billion on major infrastructure projects including modernisation of the airport, development of a major beach and construction of 40,000 new housing units, said a report.

The massive infrastructure projects currently in the planning stage will not only boost the national economy but also strengthen the kingdom's competitiveness, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication, citing a top minister.

The investment, which will be in the industrial, infrastructure, and tourism sectors, will have a positive impact on development.

The projects include the Bahrain International Airport (BIA) modernisation project, the development of Al Jazair Beach, investment projects in Durrat Al Bahrain, expansion of the Alba smelter, and the Bapco modernisation project among others, stated Transportation Minister and Economic Development Board acting chief executive Kamal Ahmed.

The modernisation of the BIA currently under way aims at increasing the airport's capacity by more than 50 per cent from nine million to 14 million passengers.

Alongside improvements to the transport infrastructure, the government is also investing in a range of other areas, including housing, said Kamal Ahmed.

The planned spend for housing is included in the $7.5 billion provided as part of the GCC Development Fund.

Under this scheme, Bahrain aims to create 40,000 new housing units in a quick and efficient manner, he added.

Government organisations and the Mumtalakat Holding Company in particular, will play a major role in the implementation of key projects, said the minister.

"These investments promise opportunities to international investors as well as strengthen connectivity with the region," he added.-TradeArabia News Service