Bahrain is set to award more than $44 billion worth of development projects this year with major focus on transportation, power and water sector, said a report.

Overall Bahrain’s project market is valued at more than $65 billion, including projects planned and underway, according to a report by Meed Projects.

Sector-wise, the construction has the lion's share, with projects valued at $30.4 billion; followed by transportation ($10.9 billion) and power and water sector with $6.1 billion projects, stated the report released ahead of a key event.

The Bahrain Infrastructure and Finance Forum will be held on April 28 to 29 at the Crowne Plaza in Manama.

More than 80 delegates are expected to attend the forum, where experts will shed light on the plans and associated project opportunities across the kingdom’s transport infrastructure, real estate, housing, tourism and healthcare sectors.

A comprehensive overview of Bahrain’s reinvigorated projects market will be presented at the upcoming event, said Meed, the event organisers.

"There has never been a better time to enter a reinvigorated Bahrain projects market, and those looking to have a share of the billions worth of project opportunities will have a better appreciation of how to plan their strategies and address any challenges at the forum that is the only event in Bahrain to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest project developments in the kingdom," remarked Edmund O’ Sullivan, the chairman of Meed.
 
Among the projects that will be put under scrutiny are Bahrain’s latest land transport network initiatives, the $5-billion rail network and the $5-billion Saudi-Bahrain Causeway project.

Both are envisioned to promote the kingdom’s Economic Vision, 2030 Masterplan, said experts.

Maryam Jam’an, the undersecretary for Land Transport, Ministry of Transport, will discuss in detail the developments about Bahrain’s transport initiatives and investments to facilitate safer, faster, more efficient and convenient transportation network.

Significant investments are also being made in Bahrain’s healthcare sector, with long-term healthcare development goals and related project opportunities such as the $18.4-million Diabetes Centre, the $29-million Dialysis Centre, and a $36.9-million long-term care facility.

Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, the assistant undersecretary for hospitals, Ministry of Health will lead discussions on upcoming projects for hospitals and associated contractor opportunities over the coming years until 2023.

The other highlights include a construction leaders’ panel session, which will identify the most lucrative opportunities in the kingdom’s project market.

"This is expected to be of particular value for stakeholders in Bahrain’s project market with insights from leading experts, who have been responsible for shaping many of the region’s world-class projects," remarked Gabe Kobayashi, the general manager (Sales & Marketing) SULB Company, the headline sponsor of the event..

"We are delighted to partner with Meed on this important initiative to share views on what opportunities are available and the challenges that need to be addressed in Bahrain," he noted.

According to him, Bahrain’s airport expansion programme and its role in the kingdom’s economic diversification will also be a key focus of the forum, along with sustainability initiatives and the latest developments related to the overhaul of the country’s sewage network.

With such massive opportunities at stake, financing will be a critical factor to ensure successful project delivery, he added.

Robert Ainey, the CEO of the Bahrain Association of Banks, will provide expert insights on the investment outlook in Bahrain, including assessment of market risks and mitigation strategies to safeguard investments, and requisites on liquidity for medium-and-large-sized projects and funding requirements.

Bahrain Infrastructure and Finance Forum has dedicated the second day of the event on the kingdom’s real estate and tourism sectors, detailing various aspects of the planned 30,000 homes to be built next year.-TradeArabia News Service