Ministry of Commerce and Industry blamed for delay of mall project

The main man behind a multi-million dinar mall project in Hidd has blamed red-tapism for the delay in commencing the project.

Bahrain Outlet Mall board of directors chairman Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said the Ministry of Commerce and Industry was refusing to grant necessary licences to start the construction work in the largest commercial complex in Hidd area in Muharraq.

“The ministry claims that the land on which the complex will be built comes under the Bahrain International Investment Zone in Hidd area, which is dedicated to industrial and office buildings only,” he said.

Shaikh Mohammed said the construction of Bahrain Outlet Mall was scheduled to begin at the end of this year. “However, obstacles from the Ministry of Commerce and others such as the Municipality and the Electricity and Water Authority resulted in its freezing.

“The land allocated for the project is 108,000 square meters, which has been leased to Bahrain Outlet Mall. The company will work towards obtaining required licences and approvals.”