Bahrain Bay, Mixed-use development in Manama, Bahrain

Bahrain Bay is a residential and commercial district built on three reclaimed islands off Manama's northern corniche: the north island, the south island and the central Four Seasons island. Its master plan by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, devised by architect Michael David Kirchmann, arranges buildings on concentric circles that read as ripples spreading from the central island. The district is ringed by the North Manama Causeway and linked to the mainland by two multi-lane causeways.

Construction of Bahrain Bay started in the early 2000s as part of Bahrain's plan to transform Manama's waterfront into a modern urban district. This project marked a major shift in how the capital's coastal area was developed.

Bahrain Bay's name refers to the shallow waters it faces, and the district was built on land reclaimed from the sea in three islands: the north island, the south island and the Four Seasons central island. The master plan by Michael David Kirchmann of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill took concentric circles rippling out from the central Four Seasons island as its organising idea, so plots were arranged for views outward from that anchor.

The area is easy to explore since the main sections are connected by linked pedestrian paths and open to visitors. It works best to visit early in the morning or evening when it is cooler, and wear comfortable shoes.

The master plan by SOM architect Michael David Kirchmann arranges the district as concentric circles rippling out from the Four Seasons central island, a layout meant to give every plot a view. The 1.35 sq km site was reclaimed as three islands, with 3.3 km of quay wall.