The real estate arm of Bahrain sovereign wealth fund, has announced that the masterplan for the 1.3m sqm mixed-use mega project Bilaj Al Jazayer development has been approved.

Bahrain Real Estate Investment Company (Edamah) said the plan has secured backing from Bahrain’s Higher Urban Planning Committee chaired by Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

Edamah’s chairman, Khalid Al Rumaihi, said the masterplan is designed to achieve a balance between economic and social development and environmental sustainability in line with the kingdom’s commitment to bring carbon emissions to net zero by 2060.

Al Rumaihi said the mixed-use coastal city will incorporate green and clean technologies to purify the air and reduce temperatures, as well as shaded walkways near key facilities to encourage walking and minimise the use of cars. He added that the buildings will also be designed in a way that reduces heat exposure to reduce electricity required for air conditioning.

Located on the southwest coast of Bahrain, Bilaj Al Jazayer aims to transform Bahrain’s tourism landscape. The masterplan includes hotels, entertainment and leisure facilities, restaurants, and retail and residential components. The project also includes a 3km beach, which is the cornerstone of the masterplan.