Work on a new BD16.2 million ($42.97 million), state-of-the-art national amphitheatre will be completed by next year, it was announced.

Cyprus-based Cybroc Company won the tender to build the project, which will feature a state-of-the-art main auditorium capable of accommodating 1,000 people as well as various multi-purpose halls.

The company yesterday co-signed a memorandum of understanding for the project with the Works Ministry in Manama.

The theatre will be located north of the Bahrain National Museum lake, covering an area of 11,869sqm, said Works Minister in charge of Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) Fahmi Al Jowder.

He said that the project was estimated to be completed by July 2012, in time to mark Manama as the Arab Culture Capital.

The opening will also mark Bahrain celebrating two other global events.

In 2011, the country will host the World Heritage Committee, an offshoot of the Paris-based Unesco. It will also be declared Capital of Arab Tourism for 2013.

'The project is designed according to world architectural standards,' said Al Jowder.

He hailed the Tender Board's efforts in monitoring and awarding the tenders of the country's projects.

'It has been very efficient in settling tenders and making fast final decisions, taking into account technical and financial requirements,' said Al Jowder.

His Majesty King Hamad officially launched the landmark project last month during a ceremony at the Bahrain National Museum.-TradeArabia News Service