Bahrain's His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has issued a decree establishing the Higher Authority for Hawar Islands Development, based on the proposal of the Prime Minister and following the approval of the Cabinet.

 

The higher authority will chaired by Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), with several ministers and CEOs of the Economic Development Board, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company and Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) and two private sector representatives as members.

 

The authority will aim to achieve comprehensive development of Hawar Islands, creating a model for sustainable tourism and ensuring optimal utilisation for tourism purposes.

 

The authority will operate within the general policy of the kingdom and its development plans, in collaboration with relevant bodies and higher committees.

 

The authority will have necessary powers to achieve its objectives, including:

* Proposing an integrated strategy for tourism development of Hawar Islands;

* Suggesting main and phased plans for the development of the islands;

* Recommending programmes for infrastructure development and transportation to support the authority's goals;

* Proposing regulations on tourism investment criteria and conditions; and

* Recommending promotional programmes to market the islands and attract tourism projects.

 

The authority’s work shall ensure the preservation of marine resources, environmental protection, and wildlife conservation, said the decree.