A new BD2 million ($5.3 million) coastal development that could turn the Zallaq area of Bahrain into a "maritime haven" has been given the green light.

The new beach project includes a specialist diving and snorkelling centre, a pier, alcohol-free restaurants, shops selling or renting maritime sports equipment and souvenir shops, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Work is due to start this month after a new location was agreed following initial opposition from residents, who said the previous site was too small and too far from their homes.

"The new location granted to us by the Royal Court is bigger and better than the old one," said area councillor Bader Al Dossary.

"With it new ideas have come like turning Zallaq into Bahrain's biggest maritime haven that would not just see a pier built and a beach set up. It will now see the establishment of a specialised diving and snorkelling centre, with those interested in learning and recreation leaving the pier by boat and heading out to sea.

"It will also have alcohol-free restaurants, maritime sports sale and rental outlets, and souvenir shops."

He said businessmen would have the chance to lease shops at the location when it neared completion.

However, he added a beach bikini ban would be enforced for women.

"Women are welcome to use the diving and snorkelling centre since the clothing used for that purpose is not revealing," said Al Dossary.

"They can enjoy the beach with decent clothes, considering the facilities will be family oriented. But wearing bikinis is something that is not accepted," he stated

Meanwhile, the Southern Municipality is co-ordinating with the area's fishermen to erect a banoosh (a Bahraini fishing boat) as a monument at the entrance of Zallaq.-TradeArabia News Service